Chapter 1:
Sheridan is pacing the floor of her cottage; she keeps seeing Luis's anguished expression when he found out about her possibly being involved with the disappearance of his father Martin. Her face is pale and tear-stained; her heartbreak evident.
"What am I going to do? I've hurt him and his family so terribly. I should have told him everything long ago. But Father and Julian insisted it was just a dream-A DREAM. He'll never forgive me, especially now that he knows I was hiding it from him. What am I going to do?"
There's a knock on her door-she freezes. "Maybe whoever it is will go away," she prays.
"Sheridan, it's Luis. Open the door; I know you're in there."
She slowly moves to the door and hesitates, the tears building again. She opens the door slowly, keeping her head down. When she finally looks at him, she sees a face of stone; but inside his heart breaks when he sees that she's been crying.
"You owe me an explanation and I'm not leaving until I get the truth." He comes in and begins to pace in front of the fireplace. "Well, I'm waiting."
She stands across the room, hesitating; then she begins to tell him what she knows of the events of that night. He says nothing, just stares into the empty fireplace trying to make sense of what she tells him.
She tearfully explains all she can: the letter opener, the sheet-covered body, the coffin, her bloody hands. She finishes with what her father and Julian told her--that it was a bad dream. At this point she is almost too weak to stand.
"They sent me away to an institution, because they thought I was crazy. I can't remember anything else, Luis. I don't know if what I do remember was real or not. I didn't tell you because I was so unsure of what really happened that night. I still don't know. Please, don't hate me, Luis, PLEASE. I love you."
He looks at her for a long time in silence. "People who love each other don't keep secrets from each other, Sheridan. All I wanted from you was honesty. I fell in love with you because I thought you were different. Now, I don't know what to think." She falls to her knees as he walks to the door. He gives her one long, sad glance and walks out.
He stands outside her door, desperately wanting to go back in, hold her, and make everything go away. He closes his eyes as a tear escapes to roll slowly down his cheek. He breathes a deep sigh andd walks away, the pain etched on his face.
Sheridan, still on her knees, sobs uncontrollably. Her world is crumbling around her. "I can't stay here and see how much pain I've put him in. I just can't. She stumbles to the phone and calls the airport, requesting the Crane private jet to ready for takeoff in one hour. "Prepare for a long flight," she says, trying to regain her composure.
She quickly packs a few bags and hastily pens a note to Ethan. As she does so, she tells herself she's doing the right thing. "I should have never come back. Julian was right; I've ruined Luis's life. The best thing I can do for him is to leave." She grabs her bags, leaves the note on the mantle, and looks back over the room before quietly shutting the door as she leaves, her eyes filled with pain.
Luis walks towards the main house where his car is parked. He is haunted by what Sheridan has told him. He comes to the realization that once again Sheridan has been manipulated--by her father and Julian. He becomes furious at them, understanding what she went through because of them. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this NOW."
He walks through the Crane front door, yelling for Julian. Pilar,in the main room, hears him and comes out, concern all over her face. "What is it, Luis; what's wrong?"
"I've had it, Mama, I'm going to get to the bottom of things, and then I'm going to strangle Julian for what he's done to Sheridan. JULIAN!"
"Hijo, what are you talking about?"
Angrily, he turns on her. "You knew what happened to Sheridan when they sent her away. Why didn't you tell me? She thinks she killed Papa, and her father and Julian have allowed her to believe that she could have done it. Julian, come out here NOW! We've got something to settle. (to Pilar) I'm going to get into that safe if it kills me. I know the answers to this are in there." He begins to head through to Julian's study. Pilar tries in vain to stop him.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 2:
Julian is in his study, a tumbler of brandy in his hand, when his study door is thrown open. He looks up to see a furious Luis come at him like a madman, yelling.
"How could you do it to her? You allowed her to suffer so much. Doesn't she mean anything to you at all--she's your sister!" He grabs for Julian's shirt front with both hands, but Pilar intervenes, "Luis, NO!"
Julian recovers. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Get out of my house!" He moves toward his desk, intent on retrieving the revolver in the top drawer.
"I want the truth, Crane. Why did you and Alastair send Sheridan away, and what does it have to do with my father's disappearance?"
"I don't know what you're taling about," Julian drawls hesitantly. He realizes a crisis is at hand and tries to stall Luis.
"Don't give me that b.s., Julian. She told me about what happened, how she thinks she may have killed my father, and YOU allowed her to believe it was possibly true by feeding her garbage."
Momentarily stunned, Julian quickly recovers. "Oh, that. Sheridan was prone to sleepwalking and nightmares as a child. After one particularly horrifying episode, Father felt that she was in need of help. He felt he had no choice. She received the finest treatment, I assure you. But don't let her overactive imagination allow you to think otherwise. Despite our efforts, Sheridan's always been a bit unstable..."
Luis lunges at him again. "Overactive my ass! I believe her; that this involves my father somehow. I don't think she killed him, but she knows something. You've succeeded in keeping it quiet by manipulating her, but NO MORE. (going toe to toe with Julian-yelling) I want answers and I want them NOW."
Pilar stands aside, horrified.
"You have no right to demand anything of me, you arrogant peasant. Get out of my house."
Luis shoots back, "I'm not leaving Julian until I get the truth."
Julian steps back. "I've already told you everything. Pilar, talk some sense into your hot-headed son."
Pilar gently tries to pull Luis away, "Luis, don't do this; it won't help anything...."
Ethan appears at the doorway, concerned. He's heard all the yelling. "What's going on here?"
Luis backs off, then turns to Ethan. "Do you know why Sheridan thinks she may be responsible for my father's disappearance?" Ethan is too stunned to reply. Luis continues, calmer now. "She's at the cottage right now, in tears, afraid she may have killed my father. What's going on Ethan?"
Ethan says nothing, just hurries from the room, intent on getting to the cottage to check on his aunt.
Luis turns back to Julian. He realizes that Sheridan needs him. "This is far from over Julian. I know you're hiding something, and the evidence is here in this house--my bet, it's in that precious safe of yours. I'm going to take you down, Crane, and I'm going to enjoy the ride."
"You stupid fool, there's nothing here. I'll crush you like an insect if you come snooping around here again, and your foolishness will only destroy your family. Is that what you want?"
"It's not just about my family anymore, Crane," Luis sneers. It's about Sheridan, too."
" Oh, what a bunch of garbage. You've got nothing to go on because there is NOTHING. Why should Sheridan be any of your concern?"
"Because I love her, that's why. Pilar comes to stand in front of Luis. "I LOVE her, Mama. I'm not going to let these people hurt her anymore." He turns back to Julian, "I'll be a burr in your hide until I get the truth, Crane. This is just the beginning." He walks out the door, intent on going to get Sheridan. Pilar looks warily at Julian, then exits.
Julian slumps into his chair, his head in his hands. "Damn, Damn, DAMN."
To Be Continued...
Chapter 3:
Luis and Pilar hurry to Sheridan's cottage. A fine mist has begun to fall in the twilight hours of evening. The cottage door is open. Luis calls anxiously, "Sheridan, Sheridan," as he goes through the open door. "Sheridan, I'm so sorry-" He sees an empty room. "Sheridan?"
Ethan comes from her bedroom, a piece of paper in his right hand. He's sad yet upset. "She's gone, thanks to you."
"Gone? What do you mean?" Luis is now confused. Pilar has just entered the cottage, asking "Ethan, where is she?"
"She's gone, Pilar. (to Luis,angry) "This is your fault, Luis. If you had just left well enough alone, she'd be ok. But, no, you had to push the issue, and it's pushed her too far."
"Now, wait a minute, Ethan. I want to help her-" Ethan interupts. "But you didn't TELL her that, did you? (waving Sheridan's note in his face) She's gone because she thinks you hate her,and that you think she killed Martin!"
Luis can say nothing. Pilar questions Ethan, "What's going on here?"
"You remember all those nightmares and sleepwalking episodes Sheridan used to have when she was younger? Well, she believes that somehow, during one of those episodes, she killed Martin. We've tried to tell her that it was just a terrible dream, but it was no use; and thanks to the digging your son has insisted on doing, she's now convinced it's all true."
"Hey, now, I have a right to know what happened to my father-"
"You had no right to do this to Sheridan. She's left because she can't bear to think that you hate her and she can't handle the hurt she mistakenly believes she's caused." He crumples the note and tosses it at Luis's feet, a challenge of sorts.
Pilar steps in, "Does she say where she's gone?" "No," Ethan replies, "only that she'll call to check in."
"That's it! Quick-- does she have a phone with her?" Luis asks. Ethan answers, "Yes, she's got a cell phone and a car phone. I'll try them now."
He goes to the phone and dials Sheridan's cell phone number. "No answer, she must not have it on." He then dials the car phone's number. Luis paces, looks at the letter on the floor, the rubs his face with both of his hands. "She's in no condition to drive, Mama. She was horribly upset. I should have stayed with her. I was angry, hurt that she wouldn't confide in me. This is all my fault." He runs a hand through his hair in frustration with himself.
"We'll find her, Luis, don't worry, " Pilar says softly, trying to comfort him.
Ethan turns from the phone. "She's not answering the car phone either." He glances out the window; it's raining heavily now, a storm approaching. "If something's happened to her, you'll pay, Luis!" yells Ethan.
"Don't you think I feel badly enough? I just want to help her!" yells Luis back.
"You've done quite enough, don't you think? Just leave her alone!"
Pilar steps in between them. "This arguing is not going to help Sheridan."
Ethan concedes, "You're right, Pilar. Luis says nothing, just walks to the door. "Maybe she's gone to the cabin," Ethan says to Pilar. "I'll call there in a couple of hours."
Luis panics. "She was in no condition to drive, Ethan. Tell me how to get there, I'll see if I can find her." Ethan hesitates.
Luis, his voice pleading, "Come on, Ethan. I have to find her, man." Ethan, reluctantly agrees. "Ok, but I'm going with you. I don't want you to make things worse for her. We'll go in my car." They both look at Pilar. She tells them she will stay at the cottage in case Sheridan should call.
"Be careful," she calls, eyeing the rain. As they leave, she sits on the couch and begins a prayer.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 4:
Sheridan paces in a quiet area in the Harmony Airport. The thunderstorm going on outside mirrors the battle being waged in her heart. The pilot had just informed her that takeoff for her trip to JFK would be delayed due to the storm. She had insisted,in a panic, that the delay would cause her to miss her flight on the Concorde. He gently refused her argument and promised the plane would leave as soon as the tower gave him clearance.
She sighs aloud in frustration, then goes in search of the ladies room. The airport is all but deserted except for the airpost personnel. She slips into the restroom, the bright lights hurting her already weary eyes. She moves to the sink, turns on the faucet, and lets the cool water flow over her hands. She closes her eyes, seeking peace in the sound of the gently running water.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she remembers the look on Luis's face at the cottage. "How could I be so stupid? He won't forgive me for this, I've lost him." She turns off the faucet and closes her eyes once again, the tears flowing once more.
A woman's voice breaks through the silence. "Sweetie, are you ok?" Sheridan opens her eyes to see reflected in the mirror an older woman holding a broom. She wipes her eyes and turns, saying "Thank you, but I'll be fine in a moment."
"I couldn't help but overhear. Who did you lose? Your boyfriend? I don't mean to be nosy, but you seem awfully sad. I've been told I'm a good listener, if you need to talk to someone..."
Sheridan notices the woman's name on her cleaning uniform and responds, "You're very kind, Mary. " She finds herself somehow comforted by the woman's kind eyes and says, "I've probably just made the biggest mistake of my life. I hurt someone deeply, and I don't think he'll forgive me." She turns to pick up her bags.
"Oh, so you're running away, now are ya?" Mary asks as she steps in front of Sheridan. "Does he love you?" Sheridan, a bit startled by Mary's frankness, answers warily, "Well, I know he did, but now--who knows." She shrugs, her shoulders weighing heavily
with loss.
"Well, honey, how are ya gonna know if you don't ask? You did ask him, didn't ya?"
Sheridan gives her a small smile; Mary certainly didn't beat around any bushes. "I don't think he'll want to even see or hear from me again."
"Did he tell you that?" Mary asks pointedly.
"Because if he didn't, why are ya leavin?"
"Oh, it's so complicated---" Sheridan begins.
Mary just laughs. "Honey,love ain't nothing BUT complications. Believe me, I've been around enough to learn that. If he really loves ya, he'll forgive ya; maybe not right away but eventually. If he's important to you, go home and fight for him. If you want him, you gotta tell him. Men can be so dense sometimes.(Mary shakes her head.) Is he worth fighting for?"
"Well, yes, of course." Sheridan's face brightens a bit. "He's the finest man I've ever known."
"Ahh, you got it bad for this one. Go home, sweetie, go after him. He'll forgive you if he really loves you. If he doesn't forgive you, he ain't worth the socks he's wearin."
Sheridan manages another small smile. "Thank you, Mary. You've given me some things to think about."
"Well, I better get back to work," Mary says as she gently pats Sheridan on the arm. "You'll do the right thing, hon. Keep the faith." She quietly walks out, her footsteps barely a whisper.
Sheridan turns again to the mirror. She stares at herself long and hard. "Well, you've reached the proverbial fork in the road, Sheridan. Which way are you going to go?"
To Be Continued...
Chapter 5:
The rain had begun to slow to a steady trickle on the winshield of Ethan's car. Luis breathed a sigh of relief. The atmosphere in the car was tense, neither one saying too much.
Ethan remarks, "We've got about forty-five minutes to go-the rain slowed us up quite a bit." Luis just nods, his thoughts a jumble of finding Sheridan, worrying that she's hurt, and rehearsing his apology for his behavior at the cottage.
As the car rounds a sharp curve, flashing lights and sirens startle them. "Oh, no," Ethan says sharply as he brings the car to a standstill. Luis says nothing, just jumps from the car and races toward the scene. As he closes the distance, he sees that a large tree has fallen, completely blocking the road.
Ethan watches as Luis approaches a police officer standing nearby. They speak for a few moments, then Luis jogs back to the car, relief on his face.
As he gets back in the car, he says, "Road's been blocked for over an hour. No one's been able to pass, including Sheridan if she's tried. I asked the guy if he'd seen her, but he couldn't say. He says he's turned back a lot of vehicles tonight."
"I'll try the cabin again, just in case, " Ethan says, turning the car around. "Damn, there's still no answer."
"Call my mom, see if she's gone back to the cottage."
Ethan does so, but Pilar has no news. Luis bangs his hand on the dash in frustration. "Hey, take it easy on my car, will ya?" Ethan gives him a wry smile as they head back to Harmony.
Meanwhile a lone figure stands at the church rectory door, having seen lights still on inside. Father Lonigan warily answers the doorbell using the intercom, "Yes, who is it?" "It's Sheridan Crane, Father." Lonigan opens the door, "Ah, Sheridan, what are you doing out this late and on such a nasty night? Is anything wrong?" "Is the church open? I'd like to pray." "It's not open, but I will open it for you." He smiles and motions her inside.
The church is dimly lit by some candles, and the outside lights cast a myriad of colors through the stained glass windows. Sheridan lights a candle, kneels, and begins a prayer.
Ethan and Luis return to the cottage. "Anything, Luis?" Pilar asks. "No," Luis curtly answers. He then turns and thanks Ethan. "I'm sorry about all this, Ethan." Ethan smiles, "She'll be fine, Luis." Ethan has realized throughout the car ride just how much Luis and Sheridan care for each other (yeah, I know, in reality the density fog would be as hazy as ever)
"I need to get home, Luis," Pilar says, wanting to leave and check on Miguel and Theresa. "Call me when you hear something, Ethan. Luis, are you coming, too?"
"No, Mama, I'll be home later." He finds Sheridan's crumpled note on her desk. He opens it carefully and reads it, then closes his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Hey, man,you need to get some rest. I'll call you when I hear something, ok?" Luis turns to Ethan. "You're right, but can I ask a favor?" "Sure," Ethan agrees. "Can I stay here for a while--just in case she calls or comes back?"
"Well, I don't know if that's a good--"
Luis interrupts, "Only another hour or so, then I'll leave." Ethan answers, "Ok, but please don't upset her again, and call me if you hear anything." "Thanks, " Luis replies, and the two men shake hands; Ethan leaves.
Luis sits on the couch, staring at the damning paper in his hand. "Where are you, Sheridan?"
It's just after midnight as Sheridan walks up to her cotttage door. "That's funny, I don't remember leaving any lights on." Putting down her bags, she cautiously opens the door and is staggered to see Luis asleep on her couch.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 6:
Sheridan backs up in to her suitcase, knocking it over. Her hand flies to her mouth as she sees Luis wake up. He sees her near the door and jumps awkwardly to his feet. They stand motionless, staring at each other across the room.
She takes a breath and weakly asks, "What are you doing here?" He quickly answers, "Waiting for you, so we could talk. I was worried about you. (taking a step forward, getting angry) Where the hell have you been?"
Taken aback by his tone, she draws herself up and answers, "Out, but why should you care? I'm a big girl; go home, Luis." She heads towards her bedroom, but he intercepts her, saying, "Oh no you don't. You're not shutting me out like last time. We need to talk and you know it."
She looks at his hand on her arm, momentarily closes her eyes , and sighs, realizing she can't avoid this conversation. "You're right, but I'm not sure it's going to solve anything." She moves to the couch, he follows. She sinks into the cushions, holding her aching head in her hands. "Here it comes," she thinks to herself, "This is where he blasts me,tells me he hates me..."
"Sheridan, I'm sorry about what I said and how I acted earlier.I guess I was still in shock; then I got so angry after hearing everything that all I wanted to do was strangle your brother. When I came back, you'd disappeared. Where did you go?" She doesn't answer, so he continues. "Ethan and I tried to find you; we even drove up to the cabin, or at least we tried..."
She looks up, astonished. "You and Ethan? In a car together? How did you two keep from killing each other?"
Luis smiles sheepishly, "Well, he wasn't too happy with me when he found out what happened and why you had left, but we came to a mutual understanding: finding you safe was more important. We actually got along ok, come to think of it. He even let me stay here in case you called or came back. Sheridan, please, talk to me; say you'll forgive me."
"I should be asking for your forgiveness." She stands and moves to the fireplace. "I certainly don't deserve it. You have every right to hate me, Luis. I should have told you everything when we were in New Mexico. God knows, I wanted to; I was just so afraid because you hate my family so much, plus we didn't know if Martin was alive or not. I tried so many times, but it never seemed to be the right time. When I realized I was falling in love with you , I guess I got selfish. I didn't want to lose you--you are the one, true, best thing to ever happen to me, Luis," her eyes tearing up again.
She turns to face the fireplace, afraid of his response. He says nothing, just walks up behind her, embraces her gently, and presses a soft kiss on her hair. "I could never hate you, Sheridan. I admit that if you had told me all this before we went to Santa Fe, I might feel differently. But now, all I want to do is help you. If all of you memories are just dreams or if they are real, I'm here for you, no matter what. I want answers, too. We'll get through this together."
He gently turns her around, touches his forehead to hers, and whispers, "I love you." Tears slip from her eyes and he softly wipes them away. "Hey,you, what's this?" She smiles, "Mary was right--you ARE worth the socks you're wearing." "Huh, who's Mary?" he asks, really confused. "Nevermind, I'll tell you later." They pull each other closer for a kiss.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 7:
(After spending most of the early morning talking about Sheridan's fears, Luis's meeting with Julian, and their current situation, it was close to 3:00 am when Luis said he should go. Sheridan convinced him to stay, that it was ok. He agreed but only to hold her while she slept. After everything that had happened, they both decided that it was not the right time to take their relationship to the next level.)
Sunlight steams through Sheridan's cottage windows. It is early the next morning, the storms inside and out are nowhere to be found. Sheridan and Luis are still asleep, wrapped in each other's arms as Julian enters her room. He immediately assumes they have been intimate and begins yelling. "What the hell? Sheridan, have you lost your mind? YOU, get out of my sister's bed!!"
They awake, startled. Luis becomes angry and starts to get up, but Sheridan stops him. "No, Luis. Julian, this is my house. Luis is my guest. What do you want?" Julian sputters, "What the hell are you thinking, sleeping with this yahoo?" Luis once again begins to go after Julian, but Sheridan places a warning hand on his arm.
"Not that it's any of your business, but it's not what you think, Julian." Sheridan puts on her dressing gown as she leaves the bed. Julian, indignant now, "What am I supposed to think; I can't believe you've stooped so low, Sheridan."
"Julian, it's not what you think, ok. He only stayed because I insisted since it was so late when we finished talking this morning."
"Well, he could have slept on the couch." Julian remarks, eyeing Luis coldly.
"Julian, we were both exhausted. Nothing happened." Sheridan looks at Luis, who is now standing next to her bed. "We came to a mutual decision last night, Julian; one that should please you." Julian's head swings back to look at Sheridan, his eyebrows up. "We've decided to just be friends. We know that anything more serious between us just wouldn't work out. We both want different things from a relationship, and we just come from such different backgrounds that we decided being friends would be best. So don't get your boxers in a bunch over nothing."
Julian, his eyes narrowing suspiciously, looks at Luis. "I don't believe it." Luis pulls on his sweater, then says, "Yea, believe it, Crane. You don't have to worry about the likes of me spoiling the precious Crane gene pool." They stare angrily at each other.
Sheridan interrupts, saying, "Luis, I'll make you some breakfast before you leave. Julian, are you staying?"
"Are you kidding? Just make sure you're telling me the truth, Sheridan. I'd hate to find out you've been lying to me. Father wouldn't like it one bit."
"Lay off, Julian," Luis snarls.
"It's ok, Luis," Sheridan laughs. "Julian, this is no joke. Go home." She dismisses him with a wave of her hand and turns to Luis, "Will you make coffee?"
Julian watches as they walk toward the kitchen, then follows, his eyes looking carefully for any sign of deception. They begin to argue over which is better, scrambled or sunny side up. Julian snorts in disgust, and heads out the door, intent on calling Alastair.
Once safely in the kitchen, Luis pulls Sheridan close, whispering, "Are you crazy? You had me totally lost for a minute."
She smiles, "We might as well start now." She kisses him on the nose. "I don't know how I'm going to be able to be around you and behave."
"Me either, but it's the only way we can get any clear answers without your family interfering. I want you to be safe, Sheridan. It's the only way." Luis lays his chin on the top of her head.
She plays with the designs on his sweater and sighs, "I know, but I'm not going to like this at all. We've barely had anytime together."
He puts his finger under her chin, "Hey, there are lots of little, out of the way places where we can meet and talk and..." He breaks off, kissing her.
They reluctantly pull apart. "I need to call mama and the station." He pulls away as she asks, "How about waffles instead?" He smiles, "Great."
He makes his calls; they eat breakfast and plan to meet near the lighthouse for lunch. As they clear the table, Sheridan says,"I'll pick up something to go, after I run a few errands."
They walk to the door. "Ok, I'll see you then," he says. They kiss goodbye, knowing that when he leaves, their time together will be monitored closely. They whisper loving words to each other, and he forces himself to leave. She lingers in the doorway as he leaves, then she goes inside to her phone and calls a local florist. "I'd like four dozen roses, please, in all colors." The florist puts her on hold while she checks to see what is in stock. Sheridan smiles and says to herself, "It's the least I can do to say thank you. Won't she be surprised!"
To Be Continued...
Chapter 8:
Dr. Laura Callahan silently watches her patient as he gazes out of his hospital room window. She'd only been at the hospital a few weeks, but from the beginning she saw something different about this man. The most striking difference was that he looked so much older than his actual age of 49. Joseph S. O'Brien was indeed a mystery man.
When Laura first checked his files, she was shocked to see that, in the ten or so years he'd been here, no one had inquired about him, no family or friends had visited. Additionally, no one on the staff seemed to know where he came from.
Laura sighs. O'Brien was classified as having multiple personality disorder. He talked in riddles, was often angry and violent then remote and withdrawn, and refused to cooperate in therapy sessions. The rest of the staff avoided him unless absolutely necessary. She seemed to be able to get a few
coherant thoughts out of him, but he would always fall back into a confusing muddle of voices, so nothing he said made any sense.
It had turned into a lovely, sunny morning, a wonderful change from the storm of the previous evening. She had decided to take him outside. "Maybe I can get something out of him," she thinks to herself.
"Good morning, Mr. O'Brien. Would you like to venture outside? Some fresh air will do you good."
He turns to look at her with vacant eyes. It's almost as if he's looking through her, as if seeing someone else. Laura feels the hair on the back of her neck stand up, then shakes the feeling away. "What do you say, Mr. O'Brien?"
He seems to refocus, the gives her a lopsided grin. "I can go out? It's been a while since they let me go outside." Laura makes a mental note to make sure he goes out more often.
"I'll take you out myself," she indicates the wheelchair in fron of her, "that is, if you'll let me 'drive'."
He walks to the wheel chair, sits down, and she wheels him out the door and down the corridor. As they pass the nurses' station, Edith Fletcher, the head nurse, steps in front of them. O'Brien puts his hands up, as if to ward her off. "Where do you think you're going?" she asks angrily.
Laura chuckles to herself. Ever since she was added to the staff, Nurse Fletcher took great delight in letting Laura know who was actually in charge. She reminded Laura of Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. "Well, I'm not letting the old battleaxe get to me," she thinks to herself.
Smiling brightly, she says, "Good morning, Nurse Fletcher. Mr. O'Brien and I decided that it was a lovely morning for a walk."
Edith's eyes narrow. "The last time he went out, it took four men to bring him back. You're asking for trouble, doctor."
"I don't think so, what harm could a little walk do?" Laura smiles and wheels O'Brien around Edith, proceeding to the nearest door. Edith watches carefully. "I don't like that woman; she's going to cause trouble, I just know it. I'd better call Mr. Crane."
Outside, Laura takes O'Brien down by a willow tree next to the pond. Some of the other patients are tossing a baseball around. Joseph watches in silence. Laura asks him if he likes baseball. His eyes squint and he seems to remember something. Slowly, he says, "Used to play ball in the backyard with the boys..." Oh, your brothers?" she asks,hoping to make a connection to his past. "No, the boys..." he answers, having that far away look again.
"Well, I'm a Red Sox fan, hopefully they'll have a winning season this year." He says nothing. She glances at the pond. "Do you like to fish? We can come back later with some poles and bait."
"Fish...." he mutters. It seems to trigger something. "Don't hurt her, she's just a child. Look at her, she's scared to death! How could you let this happen?" He rises from the chair, seemingly seeing something play out in front of him. "Oh, shut up you fool. If you'd just stayed out of this, everything would have been taken care of. Father, Father, did I hurt the man? He's bleeding-look at my hands! I didn't mean to, Father, I didn't mean to," he finishes in a small,childish voice, on his knees, in tears.
Laura goes to him, trying to get him back into the wheelchair. He continues to sob, saying "Run away, don't let them punish you. It's not your fault, Sheridan." Laura pushes him back up the path, intent on getting him back to the familiar surroundings of his room. Nurse Fletcher awaits at the door, an "I told you so" look smugly plastered on her face.
Laura says nothing, just wheels Joseph back into his room. His sobs have subsided; he mutters incoherantly about gaskets, drive shafts, and spark plugs. She puts him in his be and covers him with a blanket. She wonders if she's wasting her time and effort as she watches him drift off to sleep.
To Be Continued...