Chapter 1:
The cottage was silent. Then a knock sounded. "Sheridan?" called Pilar's voice. There was no reply. Pilar turned the doorknob and found the door was unlocked. "Sheridan?" she called again, entering the cottage cautiously. "Oh...not again" she whispered at the sight before her. Theresa came in and stopped next to Pilar. "Mama,what's wrong with her?" she asked. "I think shes in shock again. Sheridan must have been crying again." Just then Ethan burst in. "Pilar,thank God you're here! She's been like this for the past two days. I couldn't get ahold of you until today." Pilar sat down next to Sheridan and gently shook her.
Sheridan was sitting on the couch, with her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms around her knees, staring blankly ahead. Getting no response from Sheridan,Pilar said to Ethan, "Call Dr.Russel
and ask her to come up here right away. "A short while later Dr. Russel came into the cottage. After examining Sheridan she said, "She's in shock again, but it should pass within the next day or two. Just get her into bed, and don't let her go anywhere until she's better."
On the way home Theresa and Pilar spoke. "I knew she missed him, but this is still happening after 3 years!" Theresa said. "Well, we all still miss him, and I think Sheridan depended on him so much that this hit her the hardest. Plus it was 2 days ago that it was the 3 year anniversary of his disappearance," Pilar responded. Theresa sighed, silently willing Sheridan to get better, but she knew it was hopeless. Only one thing could make Sheridan her old, cheerful self,and that was if Luis came back.
*Sheridan's Cottage*
Sheridan had come out of her trance-like state but was still, as always, sad and dismal. No one had seen her smile since Luis disappeared. Sheridan thought
back to the last time she saw him.
*Flashback*
"Goodnight Sheridan." "Goodnight Luis. I had a really good time tonight. We should do it again some
time." She slapped herself mentally for such a stupid choice of words. "Yeah. Well, uh, goodnight, I guess." Luis said. He leaned down and Sheridan waited, expecting another kiss on the cheek like on their first date. Instead he turned his head and kissed her on the mouth. Sheridan put her arms around
his neck and deepened the kiss. They finally pulled back for air after a few minutes. "Goodnight" Luis said smiling. "Goodnight" said Sheridan, with a grin
plastered on her face.
*End Flashback*
Sheridan stood there with tears streaming down her cheeks. "God Luis, I never got a chance to tell you how much I love you" she whispered.
*Crane Mansion*
"It's perfect Father," said Julian, sipping his brandy. "Of course it is. You wouldn't expect anything less from Alistair Crane,would you?" "No of course not Father. I do have one question though. Sheridan has still not gotten over Luis. How can you expect her to go and marry a complete stranger?" "She will do anything for her father,and she is still vulnerable right now. Although Luis' disappearance does put a glitch in this plan, it got him out of the picture. Now, Julian, I have to go. Put the plan into action as soon as possible." "Yes Father."
*Sheridan's Cottage*
"God, I can't take this anymore!" Sheridan sobbed dropping to her knees. She crawled into her room and reached in a drawer, pulling out a gun. She
continued sobbing and put the gun to her head. Her finger tightened on the trigger.....
To Be Continued...
Chapter 2:
Her finger tightened on the trigger. "Sheridan!" Sheridan dropped the gun,startled. "Sheridan what are you doing?!" cried Gwen. "What does it look like?" Sheridan replied, still sobbing. "But-but...why?!" Gwen burst out. "I have nothing to live for anymore," Sheridan said inbetween sobs. "And," she
continued, "I just can't take this pain anymore!" Sheridan was in a state of mental insanity and Gwen recognized this from the times this had happened
before. "It's going to be okay," she soothed.
"Now let's get you into bed so you can get some rest." Gwen handed Sheridan a glass of water. Sheridan threw the glass across the room,shattering it. "I don't want rest,or water. I want Luis!" Gwen would have laughed, had the situation not been so serious.Sheridan sounded like a three year old, throwing a tantrum. Sheridan collapsed in a fit of sobs on the floor. Gwen gently picked her up and led Sheridan to her bedroom. When she was sure she was asleep, Gwen picked up the phone and called the hospital.
"Dr.Russel, this is the third time since Luis disappeared! We have to do something. What if she actually succeeds?!" Gwen said frantically. "Don't worry Gwen. She should be fine in the morning.I'll get some stronger anti-depressant pills for her though."
"Pardon me, but I don't think pills can cure a broken heart." "This is all we can do for now," said Dr. Russell. "Thank you," Gwen said, and hung up. She heard Sheridan sobbing in the next room.
"Shhh...Sheridan it'll be alright," she said.
"Why, Gwen? Why did he go? I never got to tell him! What did I do wrong?" "You did nothing wrong. He'll come back someday and everything will be the
way it was," said Gwen,even though in her heart, she felt he would never return.
*Crane Mansion*
"Julian Crane." "It's me," came the deep voice.
"Ah,yes, my friend. Your flight is arriving in Harmony tomorrow at noon. I will arrange for you to attend a ball with my sister, so make sure you wear your
finest tuxedo." "Alright. And Mr.Crane, if anything goes wrong, I'm not taking the blame for it."
"Don't worry. Nothing will go wrong." Julian hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair thinking,'My, my Sheridan. If you thought Luis's disappearance
was shocking, you're in for a big surprise.'
To Be Continued...
Chapter 3:
There was a knock on the door.Sheridan groggily opened her eyes. "Come in" she called, laying her head back on the pillow and closing her eyes again. She
heard the front door open and then close again. Footsteps came closer to her bedroom. She heard the person approaching her bed and opened her eyes. When
she saw who it was she bolted up out of her bed and just stared at him. "It's...it's you!" she exclaimed. "Oh God Luis, it's you.You're here! "She threw her arms around him in a tight embrace.He pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. "I came back, Sheridan. I came back because I had to tell you that I love you, "he said. "Oh Luis,I love you too," Sheridan replied. He lifted her chin up and pulled her into a long, passionate kiss.
"Sheridan! Sister dearest, we need to talk!" Sheridan sat straight up in bed. "Luis?" she said, still half asleep. "Oh...a dream. It was just a dream..."
"Sheridan!" came the call again. "I'm coming, I'm coming" she said. She opened the door, half expecting to see Luis, and found Julian instead. "Oh. It's you" she said. "Well hello to you to Sheridan" Julian said sarcastically. "Cut the pleasantries Julian. What do you want?" "Well, I came to inform you that you are coming to a ball in the mansion tonight."
"Julian, I am not going to any ball. Why are you having one anyway?" "For you, sister dear. Father and I feel that you need to socialize more. If you don't attend, Father would be most disappointed." Julian noted the change in her expression and knew he had hit a weak spot. "Well, I...I suppose I could go..."
"Very good then. It's at 7:00 tonight" Julian said cheerfully. "Alright Julian. Now get out." Julian left and Sheridan stood up and sighed and went to change. She had decided to head to the Youth Center. She had been taking care of it since Luis had disappeared. She looked around once more and sighed again remembering her dream.
*Youth Center,1 hour later*
Sheridan opened the door of the Youth Center, preparing herself for the wave of memories she knew would hit her. She walked into the office and sat
down. Doing so, she accidentaly hit a spot on the desk. A small box fell out. She opened it and tears rushed to her eyes. In it was pictures of Luis
and Sheridan at the Youth Center, doing the tango, dancing on New Years Eve, and just having fun. A few tears spilled from her eyes and fell onto the pictures. The phone rang, but Sheridan didn't answer it. The answering machine turned on. "Hi,you've reached the Youth Center. No one is available to take
your call right now, but leave your name and number and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. "This made Sheridan cry even harder. She had left Luis'
voice on the answering machine. She had just sat and listened to his voice so many times. She slumped to the floor, still sobbing, clutching the pictures to
her heart and pressed play on the answering machine again, listening to the voice. "Hi,you've reached the Youth Center..."
*Harmony Airport*
"Hello Mr.Robbins. So good to meet you. Please let me take you to the mansion so we can discuss exactly how you are going to do this tonight." "Sure Mr.Crane. I'll see to it that nothing goes wrong. Your sister will marry me, and forget all about Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. "Julian nodded and laughed evily. "Yes. Tonight will be a night Sheridan will never forget."
To Be Continued...
Chapter 4:
*Sheridan's Cottage*
Sheridan looked into the mirror at her vanity table. She tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear and stared at her reflection. She was still beautiful, but her eyes never sparkled anymore, they just always looked sad. There was a sad expression on her face, and pain was etched into her features. She hadn't been seen smiling once since Luis disappeared. "Sheridan, it's time to go to the ball," said Gwen. "Oh, I didn't
even see what time it was. Thank you again for coming to this ball with me. I would probably be bored out of my mind without you there." "No problem. Now let's go. I'm meeting Ethan at the mansion." Sheridan stood up showing her long, black that showed off her figure.It had slits going up to the knee on both sides and there were small diamonds in her ears. She grimaced, thinking of what the night held, and walked out the door with Gwen.
Sheridan and Gwen walked into the ballroom in the mansion. It was only used for events like this. There were candles lit all over the room, casting a warm
glow throughout the room. Elegant piano music played and there were people everywhere dancing and laughing. Julian spotted Sheridan coming into the
room, and said to Mr.Robbins, "Put the plan into action, now." Mr.Robbins nodded. Julian strode over to Sheridan after Gwen had left to dance with
Ethan. "Ah, sister, so you're glad you're here. I would like you to meet someone. This is Drew Robbins." Drew stepped forward and took Sheridan's hand, bending down to kiss it. "How lovely to meet you, Miss Crane," he said. "Nice to meet you too" said Sheridan, forcing a smile. Something about him made her uneasy.Maybe it was those piercing green eyes. Or maybe it was just
how dark he looked, almost sinister, with black hair slicked back, and that look in his eyes. She shifted uncomforatably. Julian nudged Drew. He took the
hint, and said "Miss Crane, may I have this dance?" Not wanting to be rude, she replied "Umm..sure." Drew took her hand and led her to the floor. She put up
with Drew through the dance, only comforted by thoughts of Luis, wishing she was in his arms, and not Drew's.When the dance ended she said "I'm really
quite tired. I think I'll just go sit down now. "She hurried away as fast as she could without being obvious. As soon as she had seated herself Drew came
and sat down next to her, hovering over her, staring at her with that look in his eyes again. Sheridan was a bit frightened and to she get him away from
her she said "Drew? Could you please get me a glass of wine?," smiling sweetly at him. "Of course," he said, getting up. As soon as he had gone Sheridan's smile turned back into a frown and she breathed a sigh of relief. But she wasn't getting any breaks tonight. Julian came and sat down next to her. "So, Sheridan, what do you think of Mr.Robbins?" he said.
"Think of him? I just met the man!" "Well Sheridan, you should get to know him a lot better. You will be spending a lot of time with him." "What are you talking about Julian?" "Well, Mr.Robbins is quite rich,and has a large industry." "So?" "So Father and I feel that he is a good business aliance." "Julian, I don't care about the Crane business." "It doesn't matter whether you care or not. You will be marrying this man tomorrow. Everything has been arranged already." "What?!! I will NOT marry this man!! I don't love him!!" "Love has nothing to do with it. You have no choice." Sheridan stood glaring at him, trying to figure out what to do next.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 5:
Sheridan stood, fuming, glaring at Julian. "It's what Father wants," said Julian. He grinned smugly. He knew the "F" word would get to her. He had
won." You cold hearted bastard!"she said through clenched teeth, and ran out of the house to her cottage. She lay on her bed, sobs shaking her whole
body." Sheridan,what happened?" asked Gwen. "Oh Gwen, Father and..and Julian, they're making me get married!" "What?!" Gwen exploded. "Tomorrow. Tomorrow I will become Mrs. Sheridan Robbins." "Sheridan, you can't let them do this to you." "I have. What's the
point in fighting anyway? It doesn't even matter.I have no love in my life anyway." "Oh Sheridan" Gwen said hugging her. "I'm so sorry, Sheridan. No one
should have to go through this." Sheridan didn't respond, just kept sobbing. Gwen sat with her. Five minutes later she was still sobbing. Ethan came in. "What happened?" he said. Sheridan couldn't speak so Gwen answered for her. "Your father and grandfather are forcing her to get married tomorrow." "Oh my God. How can they do this to her?" he said. "I don't know. I just don't know" said Gwen, looking down on the now sleeping Sheridan. "I just hope that this can be stopped."
*The next morning*
Sheridan opened her eyes and looked around, and saw that she was still in her dress. Then the events of the previous night came flooding back to her and
she felt hot tears and anger come into her. "Damn you Julian!" she yelled, to no one in particular. "You called?" came Julian's voice. "You! Get out! Get out
now!" "Alright. I'll leave. I just came to inform you that your dress will be ready to pick up at noon today." "First I can't choose my husband, and now I
can't even choose my own dress? How did you get it made anyway?" "Well, I am Julian Crane, and I gave them some of your clothes to measure." "Oh. Now get
out."
*St. Mary Magdelines, 5:00pm*
The music began. Sheridan took a first step. 'This may as well be a death march' she thought bitterly. Her gown shimmered in the sunlight coming in throught the skylight. It was white, with short sleeves and a long skirt. The collar stopped just below her shoulders, and her veil flowed down her back and into the train of the skirt. She carried a boquet of different
assortments of colored flowers. Julian sat, smiling.Pilar, Ethan, Gwen and Ivy sat frowning sadly at Sheridan. A tear fell from Sheridan's eye on to her
dress. She arrived at the alter. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Sheridan Crane and Drew Robbins in holy matrimony" began Father Lonagin. Do you,Drew Robbins, take Sheridan Crane to be your wife, to have and to hold,to love and to cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health?" "I do" said Drew. "Do you,Sheridan Crane, take Drew Robbins to be your husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health?" "I...I..."....
To Be Continued...
Chapter 6:
"I....I..." Sheridan stammered. he was at a loss as for what to do. Her eyes wandered into the audience, seeking help, seeking answers. She saw Pilar, Ethan, Gwen, and Ivy, all looking at Sheridan with grim expressions. Her eyes looked over the rest of the pews containing the upper class of Harmony, all so eager to see Sheridan Crane wed so she could be part of their
little "clubs", so she could sit around and make fun of people lower in class than herself, and other mindless things. She almost laughed at the absurdity of
it. Her eyes continued to travel up and down the pews, and they came to rest on a familiar figure. Her father. He had come to see her be married. She looked at him, his eyes boring into hers, telling her to say the words that would change her life forever. All she had ever wanted was for her father to love her, and
now here she was, faced with a task that would please her father and make him proud of her. She had made her descision. She would please her father. She
turned back to Drew and Father Lonagin, ready to say the words, but something was nagging at her. Out of nowhere came memories of Luis. She remembered meeting Luis, dancing their first tango, New Mexico, the almost-kiss at Christmas, Luis saving her on New Years Eve, their second tango and first date, kissing at the wharf. "Sheridan?" Father Lonagin's voice brought Sheridan out of her trance. "Sheridan, we need an answer" he said. Sheridan looked at Drew and felt herself shiver. His eyes confirmed her choice. She looked at Father Lonagin and said "No. No, no, no, I will not ever marry you! Never!" She had never felt so free and happy. She said it again, this time, laughing. Alistair stood up. "Sheridan! What do you think you are doing?!" he said angrily. "What does it
look like Father? I'm NOT, I repeat, NOT, getting married!" She smiled and walked out of the church, ignoring the voices of disapproval behind her. The sun shone brightly, and Sheridan smiled, forgetting all her troubles in the fact that she had defied her father, given up his approval, for Luis. "I'm going home, and I'm going to find Luis" she said out loud.
He watched her as she began to cross the street. How he had missed her. He just wanted to stand there and fill his eyes with her image, and more that anything he wanted to talk to her. She was halfway across the street when she heard it. "Sheridan!" She
stopped dead in her tracks. That voice. That familiar voice. She turned around. "Luis?" she called, but saw no sign of him. She started to walk towards where the sound had seemed to come from. She never saw the truck as it came speeding towards her.....
To Be Continued...
Chapter 7:
Sheridan never saw the truck as it came speeding towards her.But he did. He saw it hit her and he saw her body fall to the ground, bruised and bleeding. His instincts made him leap toward where she was, but he was stopped by the truck that had hit Sheridan.The driver had a mask on. "You knew the consequences" said the driver and sped away. He stood there, not knowing what he should do now.
*Harmony Hospital, 2 days later*
Ethan ran down the hall. "Ethan where have you been?" asked Pilar. "Business trip" he responded. "Now how is she?" he asked. "Ethan,she...she's in a coma
right now. She suffered severe head trauma from the hit" said Pilar. "Oh God" said Ethan, turning pale. "How...how bad is it?" he asked. "They," she
paused,trying to suppress a sob, "they don't know if she'll wake up." Pilar's voice caught in her throat and a few tears fell down her cheeks. She loved
Sheridan like her own. She had already lost Martin, Antonio, and Luis. She couldn't lose Sheridan too, she just couldn't. Sheridan lay in bed, machines hooked up all over her. She saw a bright light, then heard a voice. "Sheridan,its not your time yet." "But...but I want to go" she said. "I have no reason to stay." "Yes you do Sheridan. Luis is your reason. He loves you."
"You mean he's alive?!" "Go Sheridan. Go back. Go
back....." The voice faded away as Sheridan walked away from the light. She slowly opened her eyes and tried to sit up.
Ethan, meanwhile, was outside banging his head on the wall outside Sheridan's room (losing more brain cells). "Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I shouldn't have let her leave. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid" he said. He lifted his head when he saw movement through the windows. "Sheridan! You're awake!" he exclaimed, running into the room. "Ethan, what happened? And..and where's Luis?" "You were hit by a truck two days ago, and well, I...I don't know where Luis is." "Sheridan." Pilar said sighing with relief. "Hello Pilar. Now Ethan, you don't understand--" "Well Sheridan, I must say, its very surprising to see you up, but I am very glad" interrupted Dr. Russel, entering the room. She did all the normal procedures, checked her blood pressure and memory, then decided Sheridan
was fine, and left. "Now Sheridan, what were you saying?" asked Ethan. "Ethan, I heard him. I heard Luis. Before I was hit. He's here in Harmony!" she said. Ethan and Pilar exchanged worried glances, not knowing what to think. He stood outside the hospital, trying to decide whether he should go in or
not. He did know the consequences, but he wanted, no needed to see her. He took a deep breath and pushed open the doors.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 8:
"What is that look for?!" asked Sheridan, outraged. "I know what I heard, and I heard Luis calling me. Why else would I have been standing in the middle of a
street?" Pilar and Ethan exchanged another chance. "Uh...Sheridan, maybe you should rest now" said Ethan. "You think I'm crazy don't you?!" exclaimed
Sheridan accusingly. "No Sheridan, of course not" Pilar said sitting on the edge of the bed. "We just want you to rest so you can get home faster." "Home? Why would I want to go back to where that cold-hearted brother of mine is?" "I, I don't know. Sheridan, please, just get some rest." said Pilar, sounding tired. "But I'm not tired" Sheridan said, stifling a yawn. She closed her eyes and was soon asleep, dreaming of Luis. He stood outside her hospital room, trying to gather the courage to go in. She was sleeping, and she looked so beautiful and peaceful. How he longed to hold her in his arms, to feel her touch. And his family, he could see them again
too. He took a deep breath and turned the doorknob.
Pilar and Ethan sat in the hard plastic chairs by Sheridan's bed, both waiting for her to wake up, and try to remember. Pilar looked up at the sound of the
door opening. She stood up, wanting to question any doctors of Sheridan's condition. When she saw who it was, her face drained of all color and she dropped the purse she was holding. "Dios mio...." she whispered and fell back into her chair, shaking. "Pilar? What's wrong?" asked Ethan. He followed her gaze to the doorway. "Oh my God..." he said upon seeing who it was. Pilar stood up. She rushed over to Luis, holding him in tight embrace. "Oh Luis, I missed you
so much" said Pilar with tears streaming down her face. "I missed you too Mama" said Luis, hugging her. Ethan walked over and he and Luis engaged in a
manly hug. Luis walked over to Sheridan's bedside. He traced her jaw with his finger, then took her hand. She stirred then slowly opened her eyes, and looked
at Luis. "Luis...." she whispered.....
To Be Continued...
Chapter 9:
"Luis...." Sheridan whispered. "Am..am I dreaming?" she asked sleepily. "No Sheridan, it's really me" Luis said quietly, tears entering his eyes. "Oh God
Luis, I..I..." she trailed off breaking into tears. "Shh..." he said, taking her into his arms. They sat like that for awhile, just being in each others arms, holding each other. There was a knock on the door. Pilar opened the door. A woman, looking to be in her med-30's entered, dressed in a black business suit and carrying a large stack of papers. "Um...would it be alright if I spoke to Ms. Crane in private for a moment?" she said in a high-pitched,but friendly voice. Luis looked down at Sheridan, reluctant to let her go, but her eyes told
him she needed to speak to this woman. He got up, and he, Pilar, and Ethan left the room, closing the door behind them. The woman came and took a seat beside
Sheridan's bed. "I'm Debra Walsh, from the Harmony Adoption Center" she said extending her hand. Sheridan shook it. "Do you have any news for me on my request?" asked Sheridan. "As a matter of fact I do, very good news. That's why I came to find you at the hospital" said Debra. "There is," she continued" a little
girl named Danielle available. She is very special to us, but you seem like the perfect mother for her. Danielle is three years old and very shy, but sweet
once you get to know her."
"So can I have her?" Sheridan asked excitedly, sounding like a child begging to keep a pet. "Sign these papers and she can begin living with you as soon as I get the doctors diagnosis that you're perfectly stable...physically...and otherwise" said Debra, sounding embarrassed. "Yes, okay" replied Sheridan, too happy to even notice Debra's comment. She signed the papers and Debra left. Luis came back into room and
resumed holding Sheridan in his arms. "What was that all about?" he asked. "I'll tell you later" she said. "Just hold me." Luis sat with his arms around
her, resting his chin on her head. She smiled and thought of her little secret she had kept. She had wanted a child to try and help ease the pain of Luis's
disappearance. She had applied about seven months ago, with no one knowing except Pilar, and now, she finally had a daughter. But before her life could continue, she needed her questions answered. "Luis," she began," why did you leave, and where have you been?" She looked into his eyes, searching for answers. He froze, not knowing what to do. "Luis? I want an answer...."
To Be Continued...
Chapter 10:
"Luis? I want an answer" said Sheridan. "Sheridan,I...I can't tell you. Now I
want to know what woman was here for" said Luis, changing the subject abruptly. "No.I'll tell you later. Now what I want to know is why you can't tell me where you've been." She noticed Luis stiffen again. "Luis,please. I need to know." "Sheridan,I..I just can't tell you now" Luis answered in a pleading voice,trying to make Sheridan drop the subject. "Alright..." Sheridan said uncertainly, convinced something was wrong,but to tired to argue. Dr.Russell come into the room. "Well Sheridan, we need to keep you here for a couple more days just to keep an eye on you, but after that you can go home" she
said.
"Okay. Thank you" replied Sheridan. Dr. Russell smiled and walked out. "Luis" announced Sheridan, "I'm not going home. I want nothing more to do with the Cranes, except for Ethan and Ivy. For heaven's sake, they tried to make me marry someone!" "So that's why you were walking down the street in a wedding dress!" said Luis in surprise. "Then I did hear you! You were outside the church!" said Sheridan. Luis nodded. "Is that how I got here? called an ambulance?" Luis nodded again. "From a payphone." "But...but why didn't you
come sooner?" questioned Sheridan in a confused voice. "Because I couldn't" replied Luis. "What do you mean you couldn't?" Luis opened his mouth to respond, but a nurse came in. "Sir, visiting hours are over. Ms.Crane needs her rest" she said. "Alright" said Luis, grateful for the interruption. He stood up and kissed Sheridan on the cheek, then left. Sheridan lay in the dark, pondering over what Luis had said, and wondering what the future wouldhold for Luis, herself, and her new daughter Danielle.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 11:
*Harmony Hospital, 2 days later*
"Luis, calm down. I can carry my things myself!" said Sheridan, sounding exasperated. "Sheridan, you need to take it easy. Just give me the bags!" "No!" Pilar and Ethan were standing by, watching in amusement." He's been back for two days, and already they're fighting!" said Ethan chuckling. "But its good natured. Ethan, do you know if Sheridan has told Luis?" asked Pilar. "Told him what?" "Well,that she loves him, and about her adoption." "What adoption?" "She
didn't tell you?" "No" replied Ethan, slightly annoyed. "Well, I came in here earlier this morning and Sheridan told me that the adoption she had applied
for seven months ago and had gone through, and she was getting a daughter." "You've known about this for seven months? Why didn't she tell me?" "Tell you
what?" interrupted Sheridan. "That you were adopting a little girl."
"Ethan," said Sheridan, lowering her voice, "Please keep it quiet. I'm getting her today, and I want to surprise Luis." "Okay..." said Ethan, still surprised
and confused. "Well are you ready to go?" asked Luis, coming up behind Sheridan. He noticed that Sheridan, Ethan,and Pilar were huddled together. "Did
I miss something?" he asked. "Nope. Let's go." replied Sheridan, giving Pilar and Ethan a look that said to keep quiet about the adoption. She turned to Luis
and smiled, then turned and started out. "Sheridan, give me the bags!" "No Luis,I can carry them myself!" Ethan looked at Pilar, who sighed and walked
out the door. Luis and Sheridan argued all the way to Ethan's car. When they reached the car, Sheridan said "Luis, we're at the car, and guess what?I carried
the bags all the way here!" She smirked at him and put her bags in the trunk.
Ethan and Pilar were already seated in the front so Luis and Sheridan
sat in the back. Luis had his arms wrapped around Sheridan's waist and Sheridan laid her head on his chest, afraid to let each other go, for that they
would disappear. A short while later they pulled up in front of Harmony Adoption Agency. "Um...are you sure I didn't miss something?" said Luis, confused. "No,I um..just have to take some...papers in." replied
Sheridan. She got out of the car and walked into the agency. She walked up to the front desk. "Umm..my name is Sheridan Crane, and I'm here to get Danielle." she said to a plump woman with short, curly red hair dressed in a casual black suit. "Oh, yes Miss Crane.I will go get her. Please, have a seat."
Meanwhile, in the car, Luis was just noticing that Sheridan hadn't had any papers with her." Something is going on here, and I want to know what." said
Luis. Pilar and Ethan looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Sheridan sat in the chair, nervously waiting for her daughter. A door opened, and the front clerk came out, holding the hand of a little girl with straight blonde hair to her shoulders and big blue eyes that seemed to take in everything. Sheridan stood up, smiling, and walked over to Danielle and the
clerk. Danielle immediately let go of the clerks hand and grabbed on to Sheridan's. Sheridan kneeled down and said softly "Hi Danielle. I'm Sheridan. I'm
going to be your mommy, okay?" Danielle nodded and made a motion that she wanted to be picked up. Sheridan picked her up and smiled at the clerk, then
walked out of the agency.
"Luis..." said Pilar, but was interrupted by Luis. "Who is that with Sheridan?" Sheridan came up to the car and opened the door. She sat Danielle
down and then got in. "Sheridan...what's going on?" asked Luis after Ethan had pulled out and Sheridan had gotten herself and Danielle buckled. "This is
Danielle, Luis." Sheridan said motioning to the small girl clinging to her side. "I adopted her." Sheridan sat waiting for Luis's reaction...
To Be Continued...
Chapter 12:
"Luis?" said Sheridan. "Yeah. That's great Sheridan, but where are you going to live?" "I'll explain everything when we get there." "Okay...I guess." He bent his face closer to Danielle. "Hi Danielle" he said
softly. Danielle looked up at him with her big eyes. "Hi" she said quietly. "My name is Luis" said Luis. "Are you daddy?" asked Danielle. "What?" Luis
asked, startled. "Are you daddy?" she repeated. There was an awkward silence, no one knowing what to say. Finally Sheridan answered, "He can be daddy if you
want him to be." Danielle looked up at Sheridan and then at Luis. She then wrapped her arms around Luis. Luis hugged her back. Danielle then went back to
clinging to Sheridan. About five minutes later she was asleep. "Wow Sheridan. You're a mommy now." "Yup" Sheridan replied proudly. "But what made you want to adopt her in the first place?" "Well...I," Sheridan stuttered. "I was lonely and I just wanted some company so..." Luis smiled and looked down
at Danielle. Sheridan smiled too, happy to have Luis back with her. Her life was beginning to look up again. The only problem now was that she didn't know how to tell Luis that she hadn't just been lonely,she had been hurting. She didn't know how to tell him that she wanted him to be "Daddy" for Danielle, that she
loved him so much it hurt.
"We're here" announced Ethan, pulling Sheridan from her thoughts. "So...where is here?" asked Luis. "I told you, I'll explain everything when we get to where
I'll be living" responded Sheridan. She gently shook Danielle. "Sweetie? We're here. Wake up Danielle." Danielle let out a soft groan of protest, then
groggily opened her eyes. Sheridan picked her up, and once everyone was out of the car, started towards the tall, red bricked apartment building. Luis held the
door open and Sheridan flashed him a grateful smile. Everyone looked around the building, who's outside betrayed it's interior. The carpet was thick and
white, the walls also white. Flowers were all over the building's spacious lobby. Sheridan led everyone to an elevator and then, once they reached the third floor, to a room marked 314. She unlocked the door and opened it so everyone could see her new home. The room that was in the middle of the house was quite large, with white walls and carpeting, just as in the lobby. A large kitchen was off to the right side, more rooms on the left, and directly in front a sitting window with a view of the ocean, and the sun was just setting, sending rays of light shimmering in through the window. "So,do you guys like it?" asked Sheridan, eagerly awaiting the responses.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 13:
"So do you guys like it?" asked Sheridan. "It's beautiful Sheridan. But I thought you were cutting off all ties with your family. How could you get the
money to get a place like this?" said Luis. "Well, I said I would explain everything when we got here, so I will." Sheridan took everyone into another room. There was furniture strewn haphazardly around the room, which appeared to be a sitting room. There were a few chairs and a couch set up in the middle of the room, and everyone sat down, with Pilar and Ethan in two chairs sitting across from Luis and Sheridan, who were seated on the couch. Danielle sat on Sheridan's lap, still sleepy. "Well," started Sheridan, "I have a trust fund left to me from my mother, which Julian nor my father can touch.
So, I just used that money to buy this apartment and I had my stuff moved in a couple days ago. Plus with this money I can provide for Danielle." Luis looked at Sheridan in awe that she had taken such control of her life. "Well, Ethan and I should go" said Pilar, sensing that Luis and Sheridan would need to talk. Pilar and Ethan left, Pilar giving Sheridan a look on her way out that said 'tell him'. Sheridan smiled nervously at Pilar, then turned back to Luis. Luis was now looking at a sleeping Danielle snuggled up against Sheridan. Sheridan looked down at the little girl and picked her up and layed her on a mattress, then returned to her place on the couch next to Luis. "Wow Sheridan. I can't believe you did all of this."
"Are you suggesting that I am incapable of taking care
of myself?" asked Sheridan, letting her defensive side come out. "No, of course not...it's just a lot. I mean moving, cutting yourself off from your family, adopting a daughter." "Yeah I guess it is" she replied, her tone softening. "So Sheridan, what have you been up to for the last three years?" Luis asked, changing the subject abruptly. "Oh..." Sheridan stammered, thinking of how much she had been hurting and her suicide attempts. "Actually Luis, there's something I need to tell you." ' Well it's now or never. Just do it Sheridan. Tell Luis how much you love him' Sheridan took a deep breath and opened her mouth, prepared to say what she had held in for so long....
To Be Continued...
Chapter 14:
"The truth is Luis, that I-" "Mommy!" Danielle cried out, interrupting Sheridan. Sheridan let out a breath she didn't even know she had been holding
and went over to Danielle. "Shh sweetie. Its okay." Sheridan soothed her. Sheridan rubbed Danielle's back until she fell back asleep. When she finally was sleeping peacefully Sheridan got back up and returned to Luis. He stood up. "Well I guess I should go" he said, reluctant to leave Sheridan. "Yeah its kinda of late" "I can stay if you want me to" "Really?" Sheridan said a bit too quickly. "I mean if you want to its fine." Their eyes locked in a gaze, both looking at each other with mixed emotions
showing in their eyes. 'Just a little closer' thought Luis, then quickly shook the thought from his head and broke the silence. "Okay, anyway,you never got a
chance to finish what you were saying." "Oh, uh, yeah" They sat back down on the couch and Sheridan began again, detirmined to get out what she wanted to
say without any interruptions this time.
"Well, Luis what I'm trying to tell you is that when you left, it hurt. A lot. And when I was feeling all that pain I realized something." 'Just get it out Sheridan' she thought, her heart pounding. She took a deep breath and looked into Luis's eyes. "What I realized is that I love you" she said quietly, looking down at her hands in her lap. Luis tilted her chin up with his hand to look into her eyes. Sheridan
pushed her eyes away from his gaze. "Sheridan. Look at me" said Luis. She looked into his eyes and saw warmth, strength, and maybe, even love? "Sheridan do you know why I came back? I came back because I couldn't stand being away from you any longer. Because I love you Sheridan Crane."
"Oh Luis." she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. Luis brushed her tears away with his fingers and looked into Sheridan's eyes. Their eyes locked in a gaze that nothing and no one could break. Luis bent his face down towards Sheridan's and Sheridan tilted her head upward. Their lips caught in a sweet gentle kiss. Sheridan reached up and put her arms around Luis's neck, deepening the kiss. After a few moments both pulled back and smiled breathlessly. Sheridan snuggled up against Luis, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head on his chest. Luis put his arms around her. "I love you Luis" whispered Sheridan."I love you too Sheridan." They fell asleep in each others arms, smiles on their faces.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 15:
Sheridan wiped her forehead and stood back to admire her work. She had been working all morning since Luis left, trying to get the house to look
perfect. So far she had finished the kitchen, her bedroom, and had sat up at television in the sitting room for Danielle to watch. There was a knock on the
door. "Its open" she called. Luis stepped into the room and then spotted Sheridan,now sitting behind a piled of boxes. Luis snuck up to the other side
of the boxes and crouched down. "Hello?" called Sheridan, wondering where the person at the door had gone.Luis sprang up. "Boo!" he shouted. "Ahhh!!" Sheridan
screamed, then fell back into a pile of dust, sneezing and trying to catch her breath at the same time. Luis started laughing and went over to Sheridan and
helped her up. "That was not funny Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald!" she said, but couldn't help smiling. Danielle peered out of the sitting room, furrowed her
brows in confusion, then went back to the sitting room. Luis looked at Sheridan, then burst out laughing again. Her outfit, which consisted of fitted
blue jeans, a white spaghetti stapped tank top, and a pink handkerchief in her hair, was smudged with dust, and she had dust on the tip of her nose. "What?" she
exclaimed. "Here" said Luis, and reached out, wiping the dust from her nose. "Oh. Thanks" Sheridan said, giggling a little. "Need a little help?" asked
Luis, surveying the room. "I suppose" Sheridan said, thinking of Danielle's bed and the sofas. "So lets get to work!"
A few hours later they both fell back onto the couch in the sitting room, exhausted. Everything was done. Luis had taken off his shirt, much to Sheridan's delight. "Sheridan," said Luis, "would you go out with me tonight?" "I would love to but what about Danielle?" "Mama could watch her. She already
loves her. She talked about nothing but little Danielle when I was home this morning." "Well then, okay" Sheridan said, a grin spreading across her
face. "It'll be like our first date" said Luis, also smiling. "I'll pick you up in a couple of hours, okay?" Sheridan nodded. Luis put his shirt back on and
stood up. Sheridan walked him to the door. At the doorway, Luis turned to Sheridan and cupped her face in his hands and placed a gentle kiss on her
lips.The kiss grew more passionate, both releasing their hunger for each other. Luis pulled away. "We have to stop now," he said breathlessly, "or I'll never get out the door." Sheridan nodded and smiled. "Well then I'll see you later" she said. "Bye." Luis stopped for one last kiss, then left. Sheridan smiled excitedly. She couldn't wait for her date with Luis.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 16:
"Mommy, when is the nice lady coming over?" asked Danielle.
"Soon, honey" answered Sheridan, sounding flustered. She looked at her hair
once more in a hall mirror, and ran her hands over her dress to get any lint
off. Her dress was a simple, yet elegant long white dress with no sleeves.
There was a silver chain around her neck with a diamond hanging on it, and
small diamond studs adorned her ears. There was a knock on the door.
"Sheridan?" called Pilar. Sheridan opened the door and let Pilar enter.
Danielle walked shyly over to where Sheridan and Pilar stood, clinging to
Sheridan.
"Danielle, this is Pilar. She's the nice lady I told you about that's going
to take care of you." Sheridan said.
"Hi" said Danielle in a barely audible voice.
"Why don't you go color so Mommy and Pilar can talk, okay?"
"Okay" replied Danielle, then ran off to her room.
"Sheridan you look beautiful" said Pilar.
"Thank you" Sheridan replied blushing.
"So what do you and my son have planned for tonight?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, I really don't know. I guess Luis wanted to
surprise me."
"He is full of surprises isn't he?"
"Yeah, especially with him coming back like this." Sheridan paused, trying
not to cry. "I just I just missed him so much, and now that he's back, it almost seems too good to be true. I can't even think of my life without him
now." Pilar nodded in agreement with Sheridan. "Sheridan, have you told Luis
everything that went on while he was gone?"
"Well, I told him I loved him, and about Father and Julian trying to marry me
off."
"What about your suicide attempts"
"Oh um no, but--"
"Sheridan," interrupted Pilar, "you should tell him everything. I think it
may encourage him to give you answers about where he's been."
"He won't tell you either?"
"No. So please just tell him. Get the answers any way you can. I'm begging
you." "Okay, Pilar. Tonight. Tonight I will get answers."
To Be Continued...
Chapter 17:
Sheridan sat on her couch smiling at Pilar and Danielle playing on the floor. She could tell Pilar really loved Danielle. A knock on the door interrupted Sheridan's thoughts. She felt a rush of excitement, thinking it was Luis. She opened the door and was surprised to see a man with dark hair and dark eyes, about two inches than herself. He was dressed in dark jeans, a black shirt and leather jacket. "Can I help you?" Sheridan asked cautiously. The man's eyes scanned over
everything in the apartment, then traveled back to Sheridan.
"Uh no. I must have the wrong apartment" he said quickly, then walked down the hall, glancing back over his shoulder every few seconds. Sheridan shook her head in confusion then closed the door and started to walk away when there was another knock. She opened the door and grin spread across her face upon seeing who it was. He was wearing loose black cotton pants and short sleeved white shirt, and was holding a single red rose. He handed it to Sheridan, who accepted it and smiled wider, touched by his sweetness. "Ready to go, Sheridan?" asked Luis, a smile of his own on his face.
"Just let me tell Pilar we're going, and then I'll be ready." Sheridan walked into the sitting room where Pilar and Danielle were still playing. "Pilar, we're going now" she said, then kneeled down to Danielle. "Bye sweetie. Be good." "Bye Mommy" Danielle replied hugging her. Sheridan hugged her back and smiled at Pilar, then went back to Luis and allowed him to escort her out the door. They were nearing their destination. Luis pulled off to the side of the road. "What are you doing?" asked Sheridan.
"Put this on" he said, taking out a blindfold and handing it to Sheridan. She frowned in confusion, but put the blindfold on. Luis pulled out again and resumed driving. A few minutes later Luis stopped. "Are we there?" asked Sheridan excitedly.
Luis laughed. "Yes we are, but leave your blindfold on, and take off your shoes." "My shoes? Luis what are you up to?" Luis didn't answer, but got out of the car and went over to the passenger side to help Sheridan out. He took her hand and led her to the spot he had set up.
"Hmmm" said Sheridan.
"I feel sand under my feet, I can hear water splashing, and the air smells salty. My first guess would be that we're at the beach." Luis laughed and took off Sheridan's blindfold. She looked around at her surroundings. They were indeed at the beach as she had thought, and there was a blanket spread out with a basket on top of it. There were two small candles set up in silver holders, adding a glow over the moonlit scene. Stars twinkled in the sky and Sheridan felt tears spring to her eyes.
She turned to Luis, standing at the water's edge, small waves lapping around his feet. "Do you like it?" he asked. Sheridan threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a fiery kiss. She pulled back a moment later, putting her forehead up against his. "I love it" she whispered. Luis pulled Sheridan in for another kiss, full of love and passion. The two stood, with Sheridan's arms around Luis's neck and Luis's arms around her gently caressing her back. The moonlight spilled down on them and the waves splashed around their ankles as the two fell deeper and deeper in love.
To Be Continued…