Forever And A Day

Chapter 1: Memories

"Sheri…Sheri baby – where are you?" Luis called out as he came in the door. "Mama …where is everyone?" Luis was starting to get worried. Usually Pilar and Sheridan were there to meet him when he came home at 5.30pm on the dot. "Mama…" Luis started to search the house. He had looked in the kitchen and bathroom when he heard a door bang shut. "Sheri…Mama – is that you guys?" Luis rushed into the lounge room. Pilar put Sheridan down on the floor and the little girl walked awkwardly towards him, arms outstretched. "Dadada…." She chanted. "Come here sweetie …Daddy’s missed you." Luis laughed as she toppled over. He scooped her into his arms and hugged her close.

Sheridan was 14 months old now. Luis looked at her, and for the millionth time, he thought about how similar she was to her mother. She had the same blond, curly hair, that shone in the sunlight, the same bright, blue eyes & soft lips. Sometimes it hurt him to look at his daughter and remember her. But without little Sheri, Luis thought, I would have nothing to remember her by. He remembered the day when Sheridan told him that the baby was his.

----------Flashback----------

"Sheridan, where have you been?" Luis pulled Sheridan into a hug. Then he noticed her stomach. "You’re…You’re…" Luis struggled to get the words out. "Pregnant" she finished for him. And added "Yes Luis I am!" Sheridan smiled. "Well…. Whose is it?" "Yours!" Sheridan said absently like it didn’t matter. She didn’t know how Luis would react to the news and she didn’t think that she could bear it if he had been mad at her for not telling him. "Why didn’t you tell me Sher?" Luis asked, hurt. "Luis, I had to stay away. I couldn’t let my father and Julian find out that I was pregnant. There’s no telling what they would have done! I’m sorry I left you that night, but I had no choice." Sheridan was crying.

"I understand – BUT why did you come back now? You haven’t had your, I mean OUR, baby yet." "I know, but I had to see you. I need you Luis. I can’t do this by myself. I thought that I would lie low until the baby comes." "You need me?" Luis was amazed. He had spent nine months trying to forget her – and how he loved her. And now – she needed him. Luis thought that he had died and gone to heaven. "Yes Luis – I know I didn’t act like it when I left you – but I love you with all my heart. That’s why I wanted to protect our baby. She will always be proof of our love." Sheridan had tears in her eyes.

"I love you too Sheridan – I tried so hard not to – but I can’t help it. We were meant to be together. That night that we made love – I felt complete. That was the night that we conceived our child." He said as he rubbed Sheridan’s stomach. Sheridan reveled in the feeling. "I always wished that we could spend more night like that." "Well we are together now." Sheridan had said softly. Two days later Sheridan went into labour. Luis was right there beside her as she had their baby – their little girl.

Sheridan smiled weakly as she held out her arms to hold her daughter, but the doctors had taken her away before she had the chance. Luis remembered her screaming as they wheeled her down the hall. "Luis, don’t let them take me – please. I don’t want to go." Luis had held her hand until they reached emergency. There was nothing else that he could do. Sheridan had never come back -–she had never been able to hold her daughter. And she never would. ----------End Flashback--------------

Luis remembered that week as if it were yesterday. He had gained his love and then lost her. He had a daughter and his life had changed forever. He was left to raise little Sheridan on his own. Each day, she was a reminder to him of the woman he loved – the woman who he had only spent one night with. For a while it looked as if Luis wouldn’t pull through, but then he thought about Sheridan – she wouldn’t have wanted him to neglect their daughter. He couldn’t let her grow up without either of her parents. So little by little he had crawled out of his shell. Now he was okay – he would never be content without Sheridan, but he knew that he would survive. But Luis knew that he would never have love again. Sheridan was the only one for him.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 2: Angel Standing By

All through the night I’ll be standing over you
All through the night I’ll be watching over you
And through the bad dreams I’ll be right there baby
Holding your hand, telling you everything is all right
And when you cry I’ll be right there
Telling you you were never anything less than beautiful
So don’t you worry. I’m your angel standing by
Jewel

· That’s how Sheridan would always feel about her daughter and Luis. She wished that she could be there for them – as her daughter grew up, but because she couldn’t, she would always love them and pray for them. God only knows what Luis what through when I ‘died’, Sheridan thought to herself with tears in her eyes. But I had to pretend! For my baby! Sheridan remembered back to the day when Julian had found her in Paris – she had been eight and a half weeks pregnant then.

---------Flashback------------

"So you’ve been hiding this from us!" he sneered, indicating her stomach. "No Julian – I haven’t even talked to you." -------End Flashback-------- Then she remembered the threat that had followed. -------Flashback----------- "You go back to Harmony – have the baby and then leave – and then Luis will be able to keep your baby. If you don’t leave, the baby will die." Julian had looked so evil when he said that. ---------End Flashback--------

He had given Sheridan no choice. Sheridan had no choice. She couldn’t choose a life with Luis over the life of her baby. She couldn’t run and she couldn’t hide – they would find her anywhere she went. And so she had gone back to Harmony – to tell Luis that the child was his, to have the baby and then leave. But the day that she had had the baby, she did not even get to hold her daughter – not even once. She had called to Luis to stop them from taking her, but he hadn’t understood what was happening. She remembered what had happened after Luis had let go of her hand.

---------Flashback-------------

"Noooooooo, Luis" "Sheridan, stop that noise. Or I will go and kill her right now." Julian had scolded. Sheridan had stopped cold. "You bastard" she whispered. "You bastard – you didn’t even let me hold my baby – not even once." "The only bastard around here is that child in Luis’ arms right now." Julian had sniggered. Sheridan raised her hand to slap him, her eyes flashing dangerously, but Julian had grabbed her wrist before she could. Then he had twisted her wrist until it broke – to teach her a lesson. ----------End Flashback------------

The next thing Sheridan knew was that she was in this cottage in London. She was forbidden to leave the cottage. All her needs were delivered to her. There was surveillance everywhere – if she tried to leave – her father would know and he would kill her baby before Sheridan had a chance to get anywhere near Harmony. Through this whole time – her only consolation were the notes that she exchanged with Julia – the delivery girl. She always hid the notes in the rubbish for Julia to take – and Julia hid them in the boxes of groceries.

Through these notes Julia knew everything about Sheridan – about how she was being forced to stay there, about Luis, and about her little girl. Julia had often wanted to tell Luis about Sheridan, but Sheridan had begged her not to. Sheridan pulled down the photo of her daughter that Julia had given her a few months ago. Julia had gone to Harmony to get news of Sheridan’s daughter. Sheridan only wished, as she looked at her beautiful little girl, that she knew what her baby’s name was.

Sheridan couldn’t believe that a whole year had passed. He daughter would be almost 14 months old not. She wondered if she could walk or talk yet, and if she would know Sheridan if she ever saw her. Tears came to her eyes as she thought about what she had missed and what she would still miss. It was 6.00pm –time for dinner. The clock chimed and Sheridan remembered when Julia had given her that clock. Julia had been worried about Sheridan not eating enough. It was true too, Sheridan sighed. She hadn’t eaten for a few days now. In actual fact, she hadn’t eaten much for a year now – only what she needed to stay alive. And what she did eat, she burnt off, punching a punching bag. She found it a good way to relieve tension. As a result Sheridan had become much thinner than she had been a year ago.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 3: Never Forget You

It was two years since Sheridan had died and Sheri’s birthday. Luis took Sheri to get some flowers and they visited Sheridan’s grave. "Sheridan, I can’t believe that it’s been two years. Sheri, our beautiful daughter is getting so big – she turns two today. She looks so much like you – it hurts me to look at her. She can talk really well now – I taught her to say mummy when she looks at your photo. I wish that you could have known our baby girl – I wish that you were here to share her with me." He choked on his tears and kissed the photo of Sheridan on the grave. "I love you Sheridan" he whispered as he placed the flowers on the grave. "I love you Mummy" Sheri said as she copied Luis’ actions.

Luis picked Sheri up and took her home to celebrate her birthday. As soon as he got in the door, Theresa rushed to him, with the newspaper in her hand. "Luis look" she said excitedly and then "hello Sheri – happy birthday. Come to Aunty Theresa." Luis took the paper that Theresa had handed him and looked at it. "Theresa, what am I supposed to be looking…" He stopped short when he saw it. The headline read: Crane men die in a car accident

Alistar and Julian Crane, owners of Crane industries, one of the most powerful businesses in the world, died yesterday in a car accident. Sources report that the Cranes were travelling to attend a business meeting… No heir to the Crane fortune has yet been found. Police are urging any Crane relatives to come forward and claim the inheritance. Without an heir – the Crane fortune will go to the State. Luis stopped reading. It hit him that his Sheri was possibly the only living Crane heir. But then he snapped out of it. I don’t want my Sheri growing up with all that money. Just like Sheridan, men would play on her for her fortune. She would never find true love. Just like Sheridan didn’t have time to be with me. If Sheridan was alive, he might have reconsidered. Sheridan was proof that money didn’t spoil everyone. But she wasn’t here – and she never would be. No heir to the Crane fortune would ever come forward.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 4: A Glimpse Of Light

Sheridan was staring down at the paper in her hand. She was shaking. How could it be…." How could Julian and Father be dead? Julia was standing there in front of Sheridan, looking excitedly at Sheridan’s reaction. "You know what this means honey?" she took Sheridan’s hands. "What?" Sheridan was in a daze. It hadn’t sunk in yet. "You’re free! They can’t hurt you or your baby anymore!" Julia’s eyes were shining and she took Sheridan’s hands again. "You can go home Sheridan!" Suddenly Sheridan realized what Julia had said. "My baby…" she whispered, her eyes glowing. "I can see my baby! I can see Luis!" She smiled, imagining a life with Luis and their baby – a life as a family. "OH my God – I can be with my family." Her eyes were dancing and she hugged Julia with all her strength. Julia was crying. She was glad that her friend could finally be happy – even though she would miss her terribly. "I’m so happy for you Sheridan." Suddenly Sheridan went white. "What if he’s married…What if he has moved on? It’s been two years."

"Sheridan you won’t know until you go there. At least you will see your baby." "You’re right. Oh Julia, you have to help me pack. I want to take everything. I never want to come back to this hell-hole." Julia’s face fell a little at that. Sheridan noticed and laughed. "Oh Jules, you don’t think that I would go without you, do you? I want you to come with me – I want you to be a part of our family." Julia looked doubtful. "Oh come on Jules – its not like you have any family here. You can get a job in Harmony. You can meet Luis. Pleeeease?" Sheridan begged. "OK, I’d love to Sher." The two women hugged and finished packing. Then they went to Julia’s house and packed all her stuff. Soon they were on a plane to Harmony. I a couple of days they would be there. Sheridan couldn’t stop smiling on the plane trip. She was finally going to see her baby, and Luis. And she couldn’t wait.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 5: Count Your Blessings

Luis had taken the day off to spend with Sheri. He had the feeling that today was going to be a great day. Ever since he had heard that the Cranes had died, Luis had felt a sense of peace – for himself, and for Sheridan. He was filled with hope for the future – a future brining up his beautiful daughter. So he had taken Sheri to the park. He watched her as she played on the slides – she was only two so he had to keep a close eye on her. Lisa, a female police officer, was also having the day off, to take her kids to the park. She sat down beside him. "How you doing, Luis?" she asked.

"I feel great Lisa – better than I’ve ever been – well since…" "Yeah I know" "It’s just that sometimes I think that she is still here, you know? I go in to my house and I want to callout her name. I want to hold her and feel her in my arms." "You really had it bad for Sheridan didn’t you?" "Correction – have it bad for her. I don’t think that I will ever stop loving her." "I know – that’s how I feel about Jim. Sorry…I shouldn’t have said that." "No, I’m glad you did. People are always tiptoeing around me as if I will break if they are happy. I am really happy for you and Jim. You have a great life. Besides my life is not so bad. I met Sheridan didn’t I? I found the love of my life. And I wouldn’t trade that for a lifetime of being with someone who I didn’t belong with."

"Yeah I hear you." "I mean I am very lucky." "Yeah you are Luis." Then seeing tears in his eyes, she put her arms around him for comfort. Luis held her close. Lisa had been his rock since Sheridan had died. Some people believed that he was developing feelings for her, but both he and Lisa knew better. Luis would never stop loving Sheridan, and Lisa was happily married to Jim, who was the love of her life. The thing that bonded them was that they were a source of comfort to the other. They would be friends forever.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 6: Misunderstandings

"No Miss…Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald took the day off to spend with his daughter." Sheridan had decided to ring ahead to see if Luis was at the Station. "Officer…. It really is important. Do you know where he could be?" "OK Miss, you sound desperate – I think that he is at the park. Can I ask your name?" "Thank you so much. And it’s Sheridan – Sheridan Crane." She hung up the phone, and then realized that she had given her name. She hoped that the officers weren’t too confused. "He’s at the park, Julia" she told her friend. "Let’s go." She grabbed Julia’s hand and practically run to the park. She looked around at all the people there, hoping to see him, before he saw her. Then she saw him. He was in an embrace with another woman and they looked close. Sheridan closed her eyes and tried not to cry.

"He’s moved on Jules" she whispered, as she took the other woman’s hand for support. "Let’s go now." "But…aren’t you going to see your daughter honey?" Julia asked. "No, I don’t want to confuse her – she probably doesn’t even know that I exist. She probably thinks that she is her mother" and she pointed to Lisa with some bitterness in her voice. She turned to walk away. Then se heard a voice cry out "Mummy" and before she knew it a pair of small arms had been thrown around her. Sheridan looked down at her daughter looking up at her. She smiled "she knows me Jules – she knows who I am." And with that she picked up her daughter. "Mummy has missed you so much baby. I love you." "I love you too Mummy." ………………………

Luis had looked up when he heard Sheri cry out. He saw her run to a woman not far away from where he was sitting. Oh god, Sheri thinks that that woman is her mother he thought to himself. He could only see the slender frame of the woman, and her back was turned. Luis could see why Sheri had mistaken hr for Sheridan. He got up and prepared to go and apologize to the lady. He saw her pick Sheri up and hug her. That’s a bit strange, he thought to himself. Oh well, maybe she just likes kids.

"Excuse me Miss." Luis tapped her on the shoulder. "I’m sorry that Sheri thought you were her moth…" Sheridan spun around to see Luis standing there. "Oh my god – Sheridan?" Luis couldn’t believe what he was seeing. "It’s you! Isn’t it?" he asked, afraid to trust his own eyes. "Yeah Luis it’s me – I’m here." Luis swept her into his arms and spun her around and around. All Sheridan could do was laugh. "Luis…Luis stop! I’m getting dizzy." He put her down on the ground and she almost fell. He caught her and put his arms around her, to stop her from falling. Sheridan handed Sheri to Julia. Lisa came up to stand beside Luis. She was smiling. Sheridan saw her and her eyes lost their sparkle. "Oh you’re Luis’ girlfriend?" she asked pleasantly.

"Oh no – I’m just a friend. Our children play together. I’m Lisa." She smiled at Sheridan. "Sheridan – nice to meet you." Sheridan smiled. "Oh this is Julia – Julia, Luis and Lisa." "OK well I’m going to go. Um Julia do you want to get a cup of coffee?" Lisa asked. "Yeah sure." "We will be at your house later on OK?" "Yeah sure" Luis mumbled incoherently. He was too busy looking at Sheridan. "I’m sorry Luis – I thought that you two were…" "I know exactly what you thought Sheridan. That’s where I want to set you straight. There was and never will be anyone for me except you. I will always love you and nothing can ever change that. Not even death." "You really mean that Luis?" Sheridan asked with tears in her eyes. "Yes I do – and don’t you forget it." "I love you too Luis _ I always have."

Luis took Sheridan’s hand in his own and kissed her soft skin. The feeling of her skin on his lips sent tingles down his spine. "I want you so badly Sheridan." He breathed onto her palm. Sheridan closed her eyes, reveling in the feeling of Luis’ warm breath on her skin. "Me too" she whispered, with desire in her voice. Suddenly she felt Luis seize her lips with all the force of his own. They kissed passionately in front of the whole world. How long they stood there for they didn’t know. But when they finally pulled apart both were breathless.

Luis scooped Sheridan into his arms and carried her home. When they got there, he took her straight into the bedroom. They continued their kiss, before Luis pulled away. "There’s something I need to know first" he told her, kissing her neck. "What?" she breathed. "Why did you leave me?" Sheridan pulled away quickly and tears filled her eyes. She curled herself up into a ball and told Luis the whole story. About Julian and Alistar threatening their baby, about the cottage, about Julia, and about their deaths. When she finished her story, Luis took her in his arms and cursed himself for not being there.

"I should have known. I should have been there for you." He clenched his fists. "How could you know?" "Well you are here now – and nothing is ever going to come between us." Luis smiled at her and Sheridan smiled back. Then Luis started kissing her with all of the pent up love that he had held for her for two years. And he made love to her, like she had never experienced before. Afterwards as they lay there spent, Luis looked at Sheridan, who lay resting on his chest. "I love you Sheridan" he whispered softly. "I love you too Luis."

To Be Continued…

Chapter 7: Always Together

Luis looked nervously at his watch. They should be here now, he thought to himself. What is taking so long? He needn’t have worried. Right at that moment they were waiting outside the church for the cue to walk in. Then the music started. Luis breathed a sigh of relief. He watched his beautiful Sheri walk down the aisle, looking adorable, and he smiled. Next came Julia. When he saw Sheridan he was stunned at her beauty. She was wearing a sleeveless dress that fitted her to perfection. In her hair, was a crown of flowers adorning the top of her veil. On her face, she wore a radiant smile. Her happiness was obvious to everyone there. How did I get so lucky? Luis thought as he smiled at his bride.

As she approached him, she held out her hand and Luis took it and squeezed it. They recited their vows and became one – they were married. After the reception, Luis carried Sheridan into their new home. "Welcome home, Mrs Lopez-Fitzgerald" he whispered as he set her down. "Oh Luis – today has been so perfect." Sheridan looked deeply into the eyes of her husband.

"I know – only three weeks ago, I thought you were dead, and now here we are, man and wife." Luis took Sheridan’s hand and pressed it to his lips. "Promise me you’ll never leave me again, my love?" "Never again, Luis. I love you too much for that. We'll be together forever and a day" Luis picked up his blushing bride and took her into the bedroom.

Epilogue

Sheridan came forward as the heiress to the Crane fortune. With the money, she and Luis set up a charity organization for children around the world who didn’t have any family. The charity was very successful. Lisa’s husband Jim started running Crane Industries, in the way it should have been run. No more manipulating people. Jim won people over because he was sincere and Crane Industries was no longer hated and despised. It still made a great deal of money.

Julia ran the charity and lived in a wonderful house, next door to Luis and Sheridan. She loved her job and did a great job, getting the charity on its feet. Pilar and Theresa also helped her run it. Sheri grew up into a beautiful child, and was very happy. Sheridan and Luis gave her all the love that a child could want. Sheridan didn’t want her daughter growing up like her – with no love. Their life was wonderful. Luis and Sheridan lived happily ever after.

The End