It’s A Hard Life

Chapter 1:

“How could you do that to me Luis?” Sheridan fumed as she spluttered up some water. “Woah – calm down”. Luis and Sheridan had been teaching the kids at the Youth Centre how to play water polo – girls against boys. Luis had just dunked Sheridan under the water. “You are so immature – just because we won, you don’t have to drown me!” “I’m really sorry Sheridan! I didn’t think that you would take it so seriously!” Luis apologized. “Just… just stay away from me Luis” Sheridan yelled as she got out of the pool. She stormed off to the girls change rooms. Luis couldn’t help noticing how beautiful she looked in a baby blue bikini to match her beautiful eyes.

It showed off her figure to perfection. Luis couldn’t help noticing that Sheridan had lost some weight recently. “What have I done now” Luis wondered out loud. She had been acting like this since just before she left for Paris. Every time Luis tried to talk to her about it she just brushed him away. “Face it Luis – Sheridan wants ME! She hates it when you even touch her!” Hank sneered. It was true too, Luis thought. Ever since then every time that Luis touched her or even went near her she would snap at him or yell at him. Just the other day Sheridan had almost fallen from the ladder in the Youth Center. Luis had rushed over to catch her. Sheridan had just glared at Luis and stormed off. The truth is, he thought, she drives me crazy. Every time I touch her I get tingles all over.

“Luis… Luis” Hank was saying. “Oh Hank, yeah I guess Sheridan doesn’t like me!” “At least you have started to accept it, buddy. Although haven’t I been telling you all along? Sheridan has finally realized that I am the one for her and that’s all there is to it.” Hank sneered at his friend. “Yeah, you called it, “ replied Luis halfheartedly. But he thought to himself that Sheridan must feel something for him, even if she denied it. Otherwise why would she care so much when he touched her? I have to find out why she won’t talk to me, he thought, as he got out of the pool and dried off. But she is just so damn stubborn! …………………………….

While she was showering, Sheridan was thinking about Luis – as usual. When am I not thinking about him, she thought to herself. I have to forget about him, she thought. He is nothing but a user. Ever since that night at the wharf, Sheridan had been avoiding Luis. But something in her heart was telling her that Luis was not a user. “But I saw him, I heard him” she said aloud. “I have to forget him!” But it was so damn hard. Every time he touched her or even spoke to her she got tingles all over. If only… “No Sheridan, you are not gonna settle for someone who doesn’t love you!” she told herself. “Even if you do love him with all your heart, “ she added softly.

I might as well just give up, she thought. No man will ever love me, just like Father and Julian said. Sheridan walked slowly home, turning the events of the past few months over in her mind. Why would he have come to Paris to save me, why would he care, if he was just trying to use me? Sheridan was trying to make sense of her life for the thousandth time. “Maybe to gain my trust” she spat “ so that I would forgive him for hurting me! Just so that he could get my money and hurt me all over again!” But somewhere deep down Sheridan felt that this was all a misunderstanding. Only pride was getting in her way.

“Hey Sher!” Hank called. “What you doing tonight?….. Sheridan?” Sheridan snapped back to reality. “Oh, hey Hank. What did you say?” she inquired politely. “What are you doing tonight beautiful?” Hank asked again. “Oh I’m going home to go to bed!” she lied. Sheridan just wanted to be alone. A night with Hank was the last thing she needed. They had reached the door of Sheridan’s cottage. Hank was lingering outside. Sheridan knew that he wanted an invitation inside. But she couldn’t even bear to look at Hank when Luis was the only man she would ever love. “Well we could do that together, “ Hank said suggestively.

“Hank, look, I’m really sorry but I think you have gotten the wrong idea about us. All that I can ever offer you is friendship.” Sheridan stated matter-of-factly, to end Hank’s delusion once and for all. Sheridan looked up at Hank who was very red, and clenching his fists. “You bitch!” he spat. “You led me on all this time!” “Hank I never led you on! For goodness sakes, I never even let you kiss me” she exclaimed. Sheridan had an uneasy feeling about this situation. Hank looked really angry. She decided to go inside before it got out of hand. “I’ll talk to you about this tomorrow Hank” she said as she attempted to get inside. Suddenly she felt a strong hand grab her arm and spin her around.

“I’ll get what I want tonight Sheridan” he said as he pressed his lips forcefully to hers. “Get off me Hank” she yelled as soon as Hank took a breath. “You have no right to kiss me!” “Do I have a right to do this?” he asked as he grabbed her breast. Sheridan pulled away, but he pulled her back. “Or what about this?” Hank placed a hand between her legs and pushed himself up against her. She could feel his erection against her skin and shivered in horror. “Oh you like that?” he goaded. “I’m turning you on aren’t I?” He started kissing her and bent down to take off her pants. Sheridan screamed and kicked Hank in the balls, then ran inside and locked the door. He is crazy she thought, as she laid down in bed and cried herself to sleep, thinking of Luis and Hank and all that had happened.

………………………… Sheridan woke late. She had forgotten to set her alarm the night before. This was her second last day at the Youth Centre and after the events of last night she wanted to take the day off. But the sooner she finished working at the Youth Centre the sooner she would never have to see Luis or Hank again. She looked in the mirror. Her face was all puffy from crying but she was surprised to remember that her tears had mainly been because of Luis, even after Hank’s attempted rape last night.

Sheridan quickly showered, dressed, ran a comb through her hair, cleaned her teeth and ran out the door. She was already an hour late and Luis would most probably be hell mad at her. She didn’t know if she could take him yelling at her today, given the state that she was in. If he asked what excuse was she going to make? She couldn’t tell him the truth, could she? Oh well I will deal with Luis when I get to the Center, she thought as she sped down the road. ……………………….

Luis had been waiting for an hour and a half before she finally turned up. He had gotten to the centre in a great mood. He was going to talk to Sheridan today until he had made it clear to her how he felt about her. It was her second last day at the Youth Center and Luis didn’t want her walking out of his life without ever knowing what could have happened. But as the minutes ticked on, Luis was getting madder and madder. Trust a Crane to be so late, he thought. Sheridan thinks that she can walk all over anyone and everyone. She probably thinks that because it’s almost her last day I’ll be easy on her and not worry if she even turns up at all. Well I’ll show her, he thought. Then she walked in the door, looking beautiful as always. And as always she drove him crazy. He looked at her golden hair, which looked messy. He loved her hair like that.

“What happened, just get out of bed, Crane?” Luis asked. Sheridan jumped. She hadn’t expected Luis to be sitting right there waiting for her. “Did you think that I wouldn’t notice that you were late today?” “No Luis, I’m sorry. I had a rough night last night.” Sheridan tried to explain. “It’s not my fault if you were out getting drunk at some high class hotel with your high class friends.” “But…” she tried to explain but Luis cut her off. “ Just go and clean the storeroom out, Crane. I do not care what you were doing.” Luis commanded.

“Bur Luis, will you just listen to me?” “You’ve wasted enough time already. I am not interested in your life okay?” Sheridan just ran off. How could he be so cruel? she wondered. She went to the toilets, collapsed in a shower cubicle and started to cry. How long she sat there for she didn’t know. ………………………… “Why did I say that to her?” Luis wondered out loud. “She just drives me crazy.” What Luis wasn’t admitting to himself, even though deep down he knew it, was that he loved her, and that every hour she wasn’t here he would miss her. He didn’t really give a stuff if she made up all her hours or not. But he just wanted to be around her.

A couple of hours later Luis decided that he would go and make peace with Sheridan and he walked into the storeroom. He was going to ask her if she wanted to have lunch with him. When he walked in there he almost blew a fuse. The room was exactly like it had been this morning before Sheridan had come in. And where was Sheridan? Luis went around the Centre trying to find her. “Sheridan?” he was calling. “Where are you Crane?” Luis was very angry with Sheridan, slacking off on her second last day. Renee, a kid at the center spoke to Luis. “I saw Sheridan in the toilets before. Maybe she is still there.” Luis paused outside the door of the girl’s toilets. He didn’t know if he should go in. But maybe Sheridan was sick, if she had been in there for a long time. He walked in cautiously. “Sheridan?” he called softly. “Sher, you in here?” Luis heard someone crying in the stall at the end. “Sheridan is that you?” “Don’t worry Luis! I’ll do the storeroom tonight!” she choked out through tears.

“That’s not what I’m worried about. Blow the storeroom! I’m sorry that I yelled at you this morning. I didn’t mean what I said about not caring about your life. I DO care, more that you will ever know.” “That’s okay Luis. Don’t worry about it. I shouldn’t have been late I know, but….” She started crying now, more uncontrollably than before. “Sher, can you come out please?” Luis asked gently. “No, I look awful” Luis could hear Sheridan sobbing and he wanted to help her. He wanted to hold her and tell her that everything would be okay. He wanted to protect her from whoever or whatever had hurt her. He just hoped that that person wasn’t him, or he would never forgive himself.

“Please just open the door” Sheridan opened the door to the shower that she was sitting in. She sat down on the floor and buried her head in her hands. Luis could see her body racked with sobs and he knelt down beside her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “Is it me?” he asked, fearing the answer. “Yes…. but no” she cried. It was time to come clean with Luis once and for all. “What do you mean?” He asked. This was getting more confusing by the minute. “You used me. You used me for my money. I heard you, I saw you that night on the wharf. I heard you talking on your phone to someone. You called me a spoiled princess. You said that you were using me for my money.” “What? It couldn’t have been me!”

“It was. I saw you. It was at about 11pm. I came back to tell you that I was in love with you.” With this Sheridan started to cry again. It broke Luis’ heart to see her like this, and she thought that he had caused all this pain to her. He placed his arm around her and lifted her chin up, so that she was looking at him. “Listen to me Sheridan. I would NEVER EVER use you okay. You should know that by now. I thought that we had something special. I thought that we had a connection. You see I knew that you were in danger in Paris. That’s why I came to save you. Maybe we have lost that connection in the last few months – I don’t know. But I would have thought that you would KNOW that it wasn’t me. It couldn’t have been anyway. I was at the station. I’ll prove it to you Sheridan.”

Luis was pleading with her and Sheridan knew that those eyes could never lie to her. “I believe you Luis.” “You believe me? – Just like that?” “Yes – just like that!” Sheridan stated simply. “ We do have a connection. As soon as I looked into your eyes I knew that you didn’t say those things about me.” “Sher – there's something that I have been wanting to tell you for…” Suddenly he noticed the bruises on her wrists. “My god – what happened to you Sheridan – what bastard did this to you?” Sheridan’s eyes filled with tears again as she started another bout of sobs. Luis just put his arms around her and drew her towards him.

She cried into his shirt. When she had calmed down she told him the whole story about Hank and everything. Afterwards she just sat there, exhausted, her head resting on Luis’ shoulder. Luis was stroking her hair. He was furious at Hank for this. He would hunt him down later on and make him pay. But now was Sheridan’s time. She needed him like no one had ever needed him before. He spoke soothing words to her and she had never felt safer in her entire life. Finally things were beginning to look up for her. …………………….

When Sheridan had fallen asleep Luis picked her up, ever so gently, and placed her on the couch in the Youth Center. It was very late. They had been talking for hours. Luis called Sam and told him about Hank, who organized to have him arrested. He then locked the centre up and went and sat beside the couch where Sheridan lay. He wanted to protect her and be there for her if she needed him. Even though it was uncomfortable on the floor, Luis didn’t care. He loved Sheridan with all his heart and she meant everything to him. He held her tiny hand in his and drifted off to sleep. And as he fell asleep he realized that he hadn’t even told her that her loved her. They hadn’t had a chance to share their first real kiss. He couldn’t wait till tomorrow!

To Be Continued…

Chapter 2:

When Luis woke up, Sheridan was gone. He was more than a little disappointed. Oh god Luis, he thought to himself, what if she regrets everything she said last night. Maybe she doesn’t believe me. Maybe….. Luis’ thoughts were racing at a hundred miles per hour. He loved Sheridan, he couldn’t believe that after yesterday, after last night, she had left without even saying goodbye. I have to go find her, he thought as he raced out of the Youth Centre. But he missed the note that was on the desk. ……………………

Sheridan had woken up on the couch of the Youth Centre, Luis’ lips only inches from where she was laying. She could feel his soft breath on her skin, and she wanted nothing more than to lean over and kiss him. But she didn’t know what the boundaries were. Sure, I told him that I love him, but he didn’t say it back, did he? Sheridan was trying to remember. Maybe he is just concerned about me; maybe I misread all the signs. I’ll ask him when he wakes up, but he looks so tired. I’ll come back later and ask him. She decided to go home and have a shower and a fresh change of clothes. After the last two days she needed a long, hot shower, to think things out a little more. Not only that but I will probably work everything out with Luis today. If he wants me I have to be prepared.

Sheridan smiled dreamily as she imagined what it would be like when they shared their first real kiss. Snapping out of it Sheridan gently eased off the couch, trying not to rouse Luis from where he half-sat-half-lay on the floor beside the couch. She thought to herself that he must have been so uncomfortable sleeping like that all night. And she loved him all the more for it! She walked home and took a long, refreshing shower. She had a hard time trying to decide what to wear because she wanted Luis to be impressed. After how he saw her last night she thought that she had to make up for it – she wanted to look perfect today. Finally she decided on a red peasant top that did up in a bow at the front. It was an off the shoulder top and it fitted her to perfection.

With it she wore her knee-length denim skirt and red sandals. I look fantastic, she thought to herself as she checked her make-up in the mirror one last time as she walked out the door. But anyone who saw her that day didn’t notice her clothes. They noticed how she was shining with happiness from the inside out. ……………………… Luis had checked the Book Café, he had checked Sheridan’s cottage, but he couldn’t fine her anywhere. Oh god, she must be hiding from me, he thought. What am I going to do? He decided to go home and then decide where to look for Sheridan next. He took a long shower, thinking about last night and how he had just wanted to lean over and kiss her, to make love to her all night long, and to never let her go. Now he was beginning to think that it would never happen. He had to find her – he had to tell her how he felt about her.

He finally got out of the shower and got dressed. Thle story – about the last few months, about Hank, about that night at the wharf, and about his love for Sheridan. He hadn’t wanted to worry her but he needed someone to talk to, and since he couldn’t talk to the love of his life, he turned to his mother, who had always been there for him through difficult times. “Oh Luis – I told you not to get involved with Sheridan” Pilar groaned at her son’s predicament. “I know mama, I know. And I tried, god knows I tried to resist her, but mama, Sheridan is the only one for me.

I love her with all of my heart. Can I help it if I feel this way?” “No Luis, you can’t. Don’t worry you two will work it out and everything will be okay. I can see that you love her.” “Yeah I do. If only she hadn’t run off like that.” “Don’t worry Luis, maybe she had things to do. I’m sure it was nothing about last night,” Pilar reasoned to her son. “I hope you’re right mama – cause I can’t live without her.” And with that he ran out of the house, giving Pilar a kiss on the cheek as he left. Meanwhile, at the Youth Centre, the janitor found Sheridan’s note on the floor. He picked it up, crumpled it up, and tossed it into the waste paper basket, before he left for the day.

……………………. When Sheridan got to the Youth Centre Luis was gone. She was a little disappointed, but decided that he had probably had the same idea as her, and gone home to get changed. She reasoned that he would come back to find meet her, like she had asked in her note. ……………….Flashback………………..

Before running out Sheridan quickly penned a note to Luis: Going home to have a shower and get changed. If you are not here when I get back I will meet you at 11 am. I love you Sheridan ………………..End Flashback……………..

She sat on Luis’ desk and waited for him. What could be taking him so long? Maybe he doesn’t want to see me. Maybe I embarrassed him last night. She put her head in her hands and groaned. “Sheridan you are such an idiot – the way you opened up to him – you just made yourself look stupid.” Suddenly she looked down and noticed her note in the bin. It was all crumpled into a ball. Before thinking Sheridan jumped off the desk and started to run. He got my note and everything and he didn’t even turn up.

He just threw it in the bin. Her thoughts were running at a hundred miles an hour. She didn’t know where she was going – she didn’t care. All she wanted was to get away from it all – to get away from him. She was so blinded by tears that she didn’t see it coming. She ran straight into a pair of waiting arms. ………………… Luis saw Sheridan running towards him and he put his arms out. He caught her as she crashed into him. He started to laugh “What’s the hurry Sheridan? Were you trying to catch me or run away from me?” Luis was smiling – until he saw that she was crying. “Sheridan, what’s wrong? Oh god – did Hank…” he said with genuine concern in his deep, brown eyes.

Sheridan cut him off. “Luis how could you – how could you let me make such a fool of myself – if you were just going to run away. What happened? Did I scare you when I said that I loved you? Because I don’t need you to love me – I just want to be with you Luis. Please?” Sheridan had run out of breath. She had been babbling so fast that Luis could hardly believe what he was hearing. “Me? You are the one who ran off this morning.” “I explained that in my note – you got my note.” “What note? – I didn’t see any note.” “I left it for you – I found it crumpled up in your waste paper basket. Here.” Sheridan handed him the note, which she still had in her hand. He opened it.

Going home to have a shower and get changed. If you are not here when I get back I will meet you at 11 am. I love you Sheridan Sheridan had just noticed how close they were standing. Luis hadn’t released her since she had come crashing into him. As Luis read the note he started laughing. “What’s so funny Luis?” Sheridan asked, placing her hands on her hips. “You are” he was still laughing. Sheridan was a bit shocked by this and she made a move to get out of his arms. But he pulled her back. “Oh no you don’t. You are not going anywhere.”

“Luis, honestly”. Sheridan tried to sound annoyed but she was actually rather excited to be in Luis’ arms – for him to want her there. “What do you want Luis?” “This” he said as he lifted her face up and met her lips for a soft kiss. When they pulled apart, neither said a word. Sheridan wrapped her arms around Luis’ neck and Luis put his around Sheridan’s waist. He pulled her as close to him as humanly possible, as their lips met in a more passionate and lustful kiss. They continued kissing for what seemed like hours.

When they pulled apart both were breathless. Luis ran his fingers through Sheridan's hair and she laid her head on his shoulder. “I love you Sheridan” he whispered into her ear. She smiled and hugged him tighter. “I love you too Luis, forever”. Luis kissed the top of her head and she closed her eyes savouring the moment. She wished that they could stand there like this forever, she felt so safe and protected in his arms. “Nothing can ever break us apart Luis – nothing!”

Pilar stood on the corner watching her son and Sheridan embrace. She couldn’t help smiling to herself. This was a love that radiated for the world to see. And both of them deserved it. But she sighed – their troubles were far from over – if Julian and Alistar had anything to do with it. What would become of Sheridan, of her son if they interfered? Neither of them had a heart that could easily mend. She walked down the street and passed them. They were oblivious to her walking past – each was so wrapped up in the other that they didn’t notice anything. Then he went out to talk to Pilar. “Luis, where were you last night? I was worried about you” Pilar said. “I’m sorry mama, Sheridan needed me. Something happened to her and I stayed with her.” Luis explained. “What, what happened to Sheridan?” Pilar expressed her concern for Sheridan who she loved like a daughter. Luis found himself telling his mother the whole story – about the last few months, about Hank, about that night at the wharf, and about his love for Sheridan.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 3:

One week later

For the past week Sheridan and Luis had been so preoccupied with organizing the case against Hank, that they had hardly had any time alone together. They hadn’t even spent a night together. Hank was arrested the night that they got together and Luis and Sam were pressing for a quick trial so that Sheridan could forget about everything that had happened. And as they sat at the Police Station at midnight the day before the trial, Luis couldn’t help but notice how pale and worn out Sheridan looked. He reached over and took her hand. “Are you okay Sher?” he asked, concern in his voice. “Oh Luis” Sheridan sighed as she held his hand tighter. “I wish it was all over.” “I know baby, I know.” He came and sat beside her and placed his arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder.

“I know it has been hard for you this past week – reliving that night over and over again.” He stroked her hair. “I wouldn’t have been able to get through it without you by my side.” She smiled at him. “You know that night that it happened?….. All I could think about was you Luis – how we would never be together, how you had ‘used’ me – I was so stubborn.” “Well we are together now and that’s all that matters – and we will be forever.” “Forever – that sounds wonderful.” She leaned in for a kiss. As it started to get more passionate, Sam walked in. “Ahem” he cleared his throat. “Sorry to break this up guys, but I think that Sheridan should get some sleep – You too Luis.” Sheridan and Luis looked at each other lovingly. “Yeah, you’re right Sam. Tomorrow is going to be a trying day for all of us. I’ll take Sheridan home.” Luis stood up and held out his hand to Sheridan. She took it and walked with him to the door. He got her coat and put it on her. “Thanks Luis.” She turned around to Sam. “And thanks to you too Sam – for everything.”

Luis and Sheridan walked hand-in-hand out of the station. ………………………… The next morning, Luis had set Sheridan’s alarm for 8am. When it went off, Sheridan let it ring for a long time before she finally got up. I don’t want to go today. What if I just pretend I’m sick – what if I run away?, she thought. As much as she wanted to see Hank in jail, she didn’t want to have to see him – to go over the events once again – she just didn’t know if she could handle it. An hour later Luis was knocking on her door. Sheridan decided to lie on the couch and put on her sickest face.

He loved her. Luis would be concerned. He wouldn’t make her go. “Sheridan are you there?” He knocked harder. “Okay then I’m coming in.” Luis walked into the cottage and saw her lying on the couch. “What are you doing? We have to go.” He walked over to the couch and took her hand. “Come on Sher – go have a shower.” “I can’t Luis,” Sheridan moaned. “I don’t feel well.” Luis paused and frowned. He knew her too well. Still he was worried about her emotional state. He knelt down beside her and looked into her eyes. “Sher, darling. I know you are scared. But it’s never gonna be over until you do this.” Sheridan just started crying. “I know Luis, but I can’t – I’m not ready.” Luis kissed away her tears. He decided to try a different tact. “Sher – we have hardly had anytime to spend together over the last week.”

“I know Luis – I need you! I want to share everything with you.” “How about after all this is over, we go away on a trip – just the two of us?” “That would be great Luis. We could finally spend some time alone.” Sheridan’s tears had ceased and now she was smiling. “We will. I’ll organize it while you are showering. We can leave as soon as the case is over. What do you say?” “Oh Luis – you always know how to make me feel better. I’ll try – I will. For you – for us.” “Thank you Sher.” He kissed her softly on the lips and walked her to the bathroom door. He picked out an outfit for her and hung it up in the bathroom while she was showering. Then he went to the kitchen to make the arrangements.

When Sheridan emerged later on, she looked wonderful. All traces of her tears were gone from her face. She was wearing a navy blue suit with a red shirt. She wanted to look impressive for the judge. With it she wore navy blue high heel shoes and stockings. Her blond hair was tied in a short ponytail behind her head. She looked very beautiful. When Luis saw her he could hardly believe that this was Sheridan, who twenty minutes ago, had gone into the bathroom, looking worn out and frankly, a mess. He gave her some toast and grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door. He picked her up and put her in the car, laughing the whole time. They then drove to the courthouse, Sheridan looking more nervous as they went along. She grabbed his hand as he was driving and he squeezed it lovingly. “It’ll be okay Sher,” he told her, and she nodded and smiled at him through tear-filled eyes.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 4:

Two days later Luis and Sheridan had just arrived in Bermuda. The trial had gone well. Even though it had cost Sheridan and Luis dearly in emotional stress, it had been worth it. Hank was sentenced to a long jail sentence and was out of their way for good. Now Sheridan could hardly stop smiling. Luis was happy that his love was okay now. It was good to see her beautiful smile. As they alighted from the plane Luis was looking a bit queasy. “Oh Luis – you look terrible,” Sheridan said playfully. “Do you feel okay?” “It’s just so funny isn’t it? Oh god – lets just get out of here.” Sheridan tried to stop laughing but she just couldn’t. Luis looked green. “I’m sorry Luis – I can’t help it,” she said between giggles. Luis grimaced. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you back for this – later – cause now I am in no condition to do anything.”

Sheridan took Luis’ hand and led him out of the airport. She called a taxi and in less than an hour they were in their hotel room, Luis lying on the bed. Sheridan was inspecting the room. She was as excited as a child at Christmas. Luis would have loved to watch her bouncing all around the room, radiating happiness normally. But now, her eagerness was making him dizzy. “Come here,” he demanded as he grabbed her waist and pulled her onto the bed with him. “Oh Luis” she whispered seductively. “If you wanted me that badly, you could have just asked.” “Shut up Sher – you’re still teasing me. If I were to make love to you now, I would probably make a big mess of it.” Then he realized what he said and turned bright red. “OOPS – I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.” Sheridan laughed, “At least we will finally be able to share a bed and make love. I have been waiting for that for so long.” “Me too Sher, me too!” And with that he fell asleep. ………………………

When Luis woke up later, Sheridan had unpacked all of their things. She had cooked breakfast for them and had it ready on the table. Luis came out into the loungeroom and noticed her sitting there wearing nothing but a robe. She was reading the paper and her sexy legs were showing invitingly through her robe. Luis snuck up behind her, put his arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. “Hey sleepyhead – I thought you were never gonna get up.” She turned her head to kiss him, a kiss that quickly became heated. “So” Luis asked suggestively, “How about we go and try out that bed of ours?” Sheridan didn’t say no. She kissed him with everything in her. Luis began to kiss her neck from behind and she let her head roll forward. When Luis felt for the ties of her robe, she got up, turned around, and pushed him playfully away.

“Later Luis” she whispered into his ear. “We are going on a boat trip today. I’m getting dressed.” With that she walked into the bathroom. “Sheridan,” Luis moaned. “How could you do that to me? That’s two that I owe you. I’ll get you back you know.” “I’m counting on it Luis,” she called from the bathroom. “Now get dressed.” “Yes m’lady” he bowed and walked off to the bedroom to get dressed. Damn, Sheridan is hot, he thought.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 5:

How could that have happened? How could God take her away from me? Who would want to plant a bomb on our boat? Why not me, God, why Sheridan? She was such a beautiful person, inside and out, and we had finally found happiness. Why, why? Luis couldn’t believe what had happened in the last few weeks. He had lost Sheridan forever. If only I had have checked – I should have known. Why did I leave her alone on the boat? At least we would be together now – even in death. Luis was sobbing over Sheridan’s grave. They had found her body at sea and it had been identified as Sheridan Crane. Luis hadn’t wanted to believe it – how could she be dead. Now life was an empty void without her. What was he going to do without her? He thought that he would be happy to die right now. He could never have love again. Not without Sheridan.

Theresa approached her brother who was lying on Sheridan’s grave. She took his hand and helped him up. God he looks awful, she thought, as he seemed to study her intensely. He hadn’t shaved for 2 weeks – hell he hadn’t even changed clothes for 2 weeks. He had hardly eaten and he spent most of his time with Sheridan – lying on her grave and talking to her. At night, when he did sleep (if at all) he covered himself in her clothes (from her suitcase) and dreamed of her. Theresa urged Luis to leave her grave to go home and rest. Luis agreed and he followed his sister home, hardly knowing where he was. In his mind, he was with Sheridan. …………………….

In Bermuda, Sheridan had woken up to find out that she could not remember anything about herself. Even her name. But as she and her rescuers tried to find out who she was, she could feel an overwhelming sense of sadness. Of loss. She thought that it was just because she had lost her identity. She didn’t know who she was, and they were not having much luck finding out. After a long day of searching the local papers, Sheridan and Lisa (someone who had found her) sat talking about what they were going to do the next day. “I’ll check some more papers. I mean someone had to have reported you missing.” Lisa said. “Yeah I hope so – if I have someone to worry about me.” Sheridan added. The next day Lisa came across Sheridan’s picture in a harmony newspaper.

The picture reported her as missing and presumed dead. Lisa was very excited by this. She ran to find Sheridan, but she was not at the house. Lisa read the article more carefully. It read: The body of this woman has been identified although there is some discrepancy as to whether or not it is Sheridan Crane, as the body was very hard to identify. Anyone with any information about Sheridan Crane can contact her family – Julian or Alistar Crane of Harmony. Lisa decided to call them up and surprise Sheridan. “Julian Crane” “Julian – HI. You don’t know me. My name is Lisa. I live in Bermuda. I think I have some information about your sister.” Lisa proceeded to tell Julian all about Sheridan’s memory loss. He promised to fly out tomorrow morning.

………………… Later that night Julian was talking to Alistar about the situation. “Remember Julian – make Sheridan believe you. Make her think that Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald was only using her. Tell her she hates his guts.” “Yes father. I’m sure Sheridan will be much easier to talk to if she can’t remember how much she hates me.” Julian chuckled. “Julian – stop drinking and pay attention.” Julian looked at the phone and then at his drink. He put it down. “You forget Julian that I see everything – I know everything.” “Okay Father. I’ll do it tomorrow.” Julian promised. “Don’t stuff up Julian” Alistar said, as Julian hung up the phone.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 6:

One month later

“Are you sure that you want to go back to Harmony so soon Sheridan?” Lisa was asking. “Yes, Sheridan. Everyone thinks that you are dead – and you have some enemies in Harmony.” Julia added. Sheridan had decided that it was time to go back to Harmony. “Maybe I will remember something if I go back there. I need to discover my past. And I know that you are worried about this Luis person. Don’t worry, I won’t fall for any of his tricks. I’ll be on guard, OK?” “OK Sheridan, you should go back to Harmony then. I will come to visit you. And if Henry still wants to go out with you, maybe you can do that. You always loved him you know. You always wanted to marry him.” Alistar was on the phone.

“Yeah maybe father. I’ll see you soon.” Sheridan prepared to go home. She was determined that this Luis person that her brother and father had been telling her about would not get to her. She couldn’t remember it, but he had used her. She had liked him for a while, had worked for him doing some community service, and they had been on a few dates. That’s until she caught him with another woman. Apparently he had been using her for his own ends. According to Julian, the man was crazy – he had told everyone in harmony that he and Sheridan were going to be married. Sheridan was dreading meeting him. She wondered what he would be like. Probably looks like a creep, if he did all those things to me, she told herself. …………………….

Luis had been working very hard for a month now. Getting lost in his work was the only way that he could keep his mind off Sheridan. He had come pretty close to a breakdown, but his family had pulled him out of his rut and urged him to get on with his life. Beth was there for him during that time, but he knew that she wanted more, something that he couldn’t give her – not now, probably not ever. Luis visited Sheridan’s grave once a week now, to put flowers on it. He always spoke to her – like she was an angel looking over her. Sometimes he could feel her presence. If he didn’t know better he would think that she was still alive. But his mind told him that she was. That they would never be together again – that they would never be together. This is how it had been for the past 7 weeks. Luis felt like this was as good as his life was going to get. Nothing would ever be the same. He thought this until the day when Sheridan Crane came walking back into his life.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 7:

“Beth, how are you?” Luis looked up from his desk and smiled when he noticed Beth walk in. “Great Luis, you?” “Been better.” Luis thought about Sheridan. He looked at the photo of them that stood on his desk. It had been taken the day that they had left for Bermuda. …….... Flashback ……..

“Bye Mama. See you soon.” Sheridan and Luis were waving at Pilar, Miguel, and Theresa, who had taken them to the airport. Sheridan looked gorgeous in a blue sundress, with a denim jacket. Luis had thought that she looked better than ever. All traces of the last few horrible weeks had been erased from her face, where Luis had been worried they had been permanently etched. As he thought that he said to Sheridan. “Come here you” and had kissed her passionately on the lips. “Save it you guys.” Miguel had turned away, but Theresa had taken a photo of them kissing. ……..End Flashback ……

That was the photo that stood on his desk now. He wished that she had gotten to see it – to see how happy she made him. “Yep – definitely been better” Luis repeated. He thought back to the night when he and Sheridan had kissed outside his house. That was the day she had come flying into him and he hadn’t let her out of his arms. A dreamy smile was on his face. He would always remember that day. “Oh Sheridan” he whispered to her photo. “Luis…….. Luis.” Luis had forgotten that Beth was there. He looked up, slightly embarrassed. “Yeah - sorry Beth. What did you want?” he asked absentmindedly. “I thought that you probably hadn’t had any lunch, so I brought you some over.” With that Beth held up a huge picnic basket. “Thanks Beth, but I’m really not that hungry.” Luis politely declined. “Oh come on Luis. I went to all the trouble of bringing it over.” She pouted. “We can eat it outside” she suggested hopefully as she flashed him her most brilliant smile.

“OK that would be good” Luis agreed. In actual fact, spending lunch with Beth was the last thing he wanted to do. He knew that somehow they would get to talking about old times, about ‘them’. Beth had a way of always bringing that subject up. Even though she knew that nothing would ever happen! Even though she knew that he didn’t love her! And never would! …………………. Sheridan had just arrived back in Harmony. She was at the airport waiting for a cab to pick her up. “Allow me Sheridan” a handsome man offered, as he came up beside her and moved to take her bag. “I’m sorry – you are…….?” Sheridan inquired.

“Henry – Henry Thorn – don’t you remember me?” Henry asked looking injured. “No I’m sorry – I can’t remember much at all. Julian, my brother, told me about you and I though,” she added, flashing him a brilliant smile. After all, she thought, if I am in love with this man then I have to make an impression. If I don’t then he could walk out of my life and I could wake up one morning and realize that I have made a terrible mistake. “You and me? You do remember then.” “No - never mind.” Sheridan spoke quickly realizing her mistake. Julian hadn’t told her much about what had happened between them. She just hoped that nothing bad had happened. “Anyway Sheridan,” he asked brushing it off. “Can I drive you home?” “Oh that’s not necessary Henry. Really – I have already called a cab.” “No I insist – and that way you will get to know me on the way home. What do you say?” He tried to convince her, smiling. “Yeah okay – thanks.” She smiled as he picked up her bag and held out his arm to her. Just like a true gentleman, she thought, as she took his arm and followed him out to his car. …………………….

“Beth, you know that I’m still in love with Sheridan. I can’t promise you anything.” Luis sighed. He had known that Beth would bring this up. “There ceased to be an us a long time ago, Beth,” he said gently. “Luis, all I want to know is – will there ever be a chance for us. I mean after you get over Sheridan?” Beth was pleading with him. “Honestly Beth, we have been over this so many times. I don’t think I’ll ever get over her.” Beth was frustrated. How could that rich bitch still have such a hold over her man?

Even dead she was causing problems for them. I hate Sheridan Crane! “I’m sorry Beth, but I just can’t let her go. Not now! Sometimes I think that she is still alive. I can feel her presence. I won’t betray her.” “Luis, honey, Sheridan is dead! You have to accept that. You have to move on – with me,” Beth said softly. She placed a hand inside his shirt and began to tease his nipple. “I love you – all I want is one time. No strings attached.” Beth thought that after they had made love, Luis would realize that he loved her, and not Sheridan. She moved her hand down to his pants and stroked him, feeling him grow hard beneath her fingers. “Sheridan,” Luis moaned softly. He had his eyes closed and in his mind it was Sheridan touching him. He opened his eyes, preparing to kiss her. And then he realized – Beth!

Luis looked mortified. He sprung up off the grass and began to run. Oh God, it was Beth! I’m so sorry Sheridan! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to betray you. I thought she was you, honest I did! Luis’ thoughts were racing. He was running to a place where he could always feel close to her. He knelt down on her grave and his tears fell into the grass that now covered it. “I’m sorry Sheridan” he whispered as he lay his head down on the grave. “Why didn’t you take me with you?” ………………………… “And this is the Youth Centre! Any of this ring a bell yet Sheridan… Sher?” Henry was saying. Sheridan was too busy looking out the window to hear what Henry was saying. She was studying the couple that was outside the Youth Centre. What is it about this place that is so familiar? And that couple.

They look like they are about to make love. Her eyes were drawn towards the back of an incredibly sexy looking man, and whom she assumed was his girlfriend. And as she watched the scene unfolding before her she felt a pang in her heart. Why would that effect me so much? I don’t even know these people. Or do I? The man looked so familiar (from what she could see of him). And so damn sexy! Sheridan found herself daydreaming about what it would be like if she was the one sitting with him on the grass, she the one who was about to make love to him. And the feelings that went through her sent shivers all down her spine!

To Be Continued…

Chapter 8:

“I’m going to take you to the Book Cafe, if you will allow me, Sheridan,” Henry said. “Everyone in town needs to know sometime that you are alive – and it might as well be tonight.” “Okay Henry – that would be nice.” Sheridan knew that she had to do it sometime, but she was not pleased about the prospect of the whole town knowing that she was back in Harmony – especially that Luis guy. From what Julian and her father had told her, she was dreading the first meeting – especially if he had told everyone in town that they were engaged! She didn’t know what he would do or how he would effect her. And she dreaded it! What she didn’t realize was that she had already experienced the effect that he had on her. Outside the Youth Centre! ……………………..

An hour later, Sheridan and Henry entered the busy Book Café. “Oh, there's so many people here! I don’t want to do it Henry.” She started to turn around, but Henry took her arm and pulled her inside. “Don’t be silly Sher!” Sheridan was a bit uneasy about the way he seemed so intimate with her. Why does that worry me? I am in love with him after all, she thought. Henry went to get them a table and Sheridan went to the counter to order coffee. At first Beth didn’t notice who it was standing there. “What can I get you?” she asked, without looking up. “Um, two cappuccino’s please – one without foam.” Beth was startled when she heard Sheridan’s voice. Surely it couldn’t be….. But it was and when Beth looked up she saw Sheridan standing there. Beth was so astonished that she dropped the coffee that she had been holding. A big commotion followed and the people in the Book Café started to turn around to see what was happening.

One by one they saw Sheridan – Sheridan Crane – Isn’t she dead? They all thought in disbelief. Pilar was sitting at a table in the corner with her son, Luis. After everything went quiet she turned her head and looked around. When she saw Sheridan, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She turned to Luis, and told him to look towards the counter – he should be the first one to talk to her, Pilar thought. “What mama? What is so damn important that I have to….” He was standing up as he said it and when he saw her he stopped mid-sentence. He looked like he was about to faint and he wanted to go up and talk to her, to know that he wasn’t hallucinating. But for now he could only whisper,

“Sheridan…..Oh my God, Sheridan.” Finally he came to his senses. “Sheridan” he called. “Sheridan, oh my god, you’re alive!” he started laughing as he ran towards her. Before she could respond he had picked her up and begun swinging her around in his arms. He hugged her like he would never let her go. “Sher, you’re back. I knew you weren’t dead” he whispered as he released he to wipe the tears from his eyes. …………………………. To say that Sheridan had been surprised by that hug would be an understatement. She was completely taken aback, and could not find any words. She knew that she knew this man – she could feel it. But who was he? When he finally released her, Sheridan asked blankly, “Do I know you?” When he heard that, Luis’ face went blank in disbelief. “Are you okay, Sir?” she asked him concernedly. His face had gone ashen white and she was worried about him.

“Sher – it’s me,” he whispered hoarsely, searching her eyes for answers, for some sign of love, but her big blue eyes revealed nothing – they showed no love for him, no emotion, except that of concern that anyone would feel for a madman. “I love you Sheridan” he whispered, trying again. “How can you not remember me?” He knew that he had to ask, only he feared the answer. “No I don’t, I’m sorry.” Then seeing the look on his face she added “Maybe I should leave…” “No, its okay Sheridan.” Pilar came up beside Luis and gently led him away. “I’m sorry,” Sheridan whispered to the other woman on her way out.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 9:

After Luis had left the café, Sheridan looked after him, cursing the fact that she could not remember anything. That poor man, she thought, the pain in his eyes! I hurt him so badly just then! I should never have come back to Harmony! Henry came over and placed his hand on her waist. “Sheridan, you’re shaking – you okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine, just a bit shocked that’s all.” She tried to brush it off. She didn’t want to let on that it affected her in a way that she couldn’t even explain. Did I date him? What happened? He was so hot; I wouldn’t be surprised if I had dated him. Oh god, what is wrong with me? She asked herself, when she noticed that she was having sexual thoughts about a stranger – at least a stranger now! “Let’s go – OK! I can see that you are upset,” Henry said as he took her arm and led her out of the Book Café.

“Wait- who was that Henry?” Sheridan felt the need to know who it was that she was so attracted to. ”Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. I didn’t think that you’d ever forget him.” “That was Luis?” She asked in wonder. “He looked so genuine – so honest.” Sheridan didn’t know what she had expected but definitely not that. “Yeah well, what can I say? The guys a damn good actor. Everyone in Harmony believes that you two were engaged you know? He managed to fool them all while you were away!” “Yeah Julian told me. What a jerk!” Sheridan’s eyes flashed with anger – anger about a deed that she couldn’t even remember. What she hated was the fact that his tears had effected her! Even though he had used her! “But why would they believe him – what about you and I?” She had to know.

“Well I had my own hopes in that direction,” he suggested softly. “Until I thought that you were dead. I didn’t believe that you were engaged to him.” His eyes were downcast, as if dreading her reaction. “I’m sorry Henry – for any pain that I have caused you. But if you’ll give me a chance, maybe we can rebuild our relationship. You can help me to fill in the details of my past.” Sheridan felt sorry for Henry. He had waited for her since he found out that she was alive. And now, she didn’t know what she could offer him. “You bet,” he replied enthusiastically. When they reached Sheridan’s door, Henry leaned in for a goodnight kiss. Sheridan pulled away. “Its too soon – I’m sorry Henry.” “That’s OK, whenever you are ready.” “Thanks…for everything.”

“Goodnight Sheridan.” “Goodnight,” she replied as she walked into her cottage. Now she noticed pictures of her and Henry as a couple all around the room. Funny, she thought, I didn’t notice these before. Oh well, I must have been too busy to pay attention. She walked into her bedroom to get ready for bed. Julian let out a sigh of relief from behind the door. He had just finished placing the photos of Sheridan and Henry around the room. Brilliant, he thought to himself, these computer-generated photos are amazing. Sheridan will never know that they are just fakes. He slipped outside and slapped the back of a waiting Henry. “Come up to the house and have a drink with me?” Henry and Julian walked up to the main house. ……………….

“Well it seems that our plan is going well gentlemen.” Julian was speaking to his father on the phone and Henry. “Yes, Sheridan believes that Luis is a user. She also believes that she has feelings for Henry,” Alistar added. “What we must do is keep an eye on her. We don’t want her remembering anything about her past before she is safely married to Henry.” Henry was slightly drunk and he slurred as he said, “You’re daughter, and you’re sister…” motioning at Julian “is one hot woman. I’m glad that she will be mine forever. I’m going to enjoy turning her over whenever I want a night of hot passion.” He was rubbing his hands together, his eyes gleaming as he thought about it. “Yes – I’m sure you will. And the money has nothing to do with it, I suppose,” Alistar snapped. “Yeah well, that too. And it’s definitely worth it.”

“Don’t kid yourself Henry. Sheridan is a high maintenance girl. I don’t think that she will allow herself to become a possession that you can just turn over and shag once in a while.” “Shut-up Julian – of course she will. Once Sheridan is married she will do whatever her husband wants. Just like her mother did.” “OK, I’m going home – big day tomorrow,” Henry stated, as he swigged the last of the brandy and took off out the door. “He has no idea what he is getting himself into.” Julian chuckled. “Shut-up Julian. Put down the drink and concentrate on the plan. Make sure that Henry does his job – YOU HEAR ME?” “Yes father, goodnight.” And with that he hung up the phone.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 10:

“Luis I’m so sorry.” Pilar had taken her son home and he had been sitting there all night, staring into space. Pilar felt that she should leave him alone for a while. When she woke up and Luis was still sitting on the couch she decided to talk to him. “You okay?” “Mama – you have to talk to her. Maybe she does remember me. How could she forget?” luis put his head in his hands. “I know Luis.” “How could she? What am I going to do Mama – I love her.” Luis started crying again. “I’ll try to find out about Sheridan today, Ok Luis. Maybe the amnesia is only temporary. Maybe she will remember you soon.” “I hope so Mama.” Even after Sheridan’s ‘death’ Luis hadn’t felt this helpless. At least then he knew that she loved him. At least he didn’t have to see her everyday with the knowledge that he loved her but she could never return it. Luis sat on the couch for a long time. When Pilar got home, he was still siitng there. He looked worn out, he had huge bags under his eyes and his face was puffy from crying. When he saw her walk in he asked deperately, “Did you find out? Did you see her?” “I spoke to Sheridan today. She seemed angry at you, but claimed that she couldn’t remember you. The doctor told her that there was a possibility that she would get her memory back – that she would get flashes of memory.” “So she might remember me. I guess I’ll just have to wait.” Luis sighed. But at least he knew that one day they could be together. Everything was more hopeful to him now. “I’m going out Mama.” Luis suddenly decided that he had to see her. He wanted to look at her beautiful face. At least he could do that. At least he could dream. “Luis – please don’t. Give her a few days OK!” Pilar was worried. What she hadn’t want to tell Luis was that it seemed that Sheridan had moved on with another man in the time that she had been away. There had been photos of him and her all over Sheridan’s cottage. What she didn’t understand was how they would have had time to become a couple. Unless they were a couple before. Unless Julian and Alistar had….. But Pilar didn’t want to even consider the possibility that the Crane family had something to do with this. Because she knew that if they did, Sheridan and Luis would have a lot more to overcome than her amnesia. “I just want to see her Mama – I won’t talk to her, I promise.” “Be careful Luis.” She warned him, as he left the house. When Luis arrived at Sheridan’s cottage, he was stunned by her beauty. He could see her through the open window, and was mesmerised by her. Is it possible that she has become even more beautiful than I remember her, he thought to himself. All he wanted to do was to go inside and throw his arms around her, to have her respond to his kisses – if only once. Sheridan looked beautiful in a baby blue satin dress. It was strapless and flowed long and soft down to her ankles. Around her neck she wore a string of pearls that set off her skin to perfection. He saw her go to the door. A man was standing there. Sheridan smiled and kissed him on the cheek. She took her shawl off the stand and he wrapped it around her. He took her hand and led her to the car. Luis was shocked by what he had just witnessed. He couldn’t believe that Sheridan was seeing another man. He peered back in the window and he noticed a vase of red roses sitting on her coffee table. Then he saw the photos- of her with another man – with him. Luis felt like a knife had wounded his heart. He slowly walked home, feeling utterly dejected. ………………….. Henry had sent Sheridan a huge buch of roses that morning, with a note that read: I would love to take you out to dinner tonight Sheridan. Your beauty dazzles me. I want to spend as musch time with you as possible. When Sheridan had gotten the roses, something in her memory triggered. It caught her off-guard. She got the feeling that someone she deeply cared for had given her roses in her past. Such a stupid memory, she thought. Most guys send roses at some time or another. So now she was on a date with Henry. She was beginning to like his attentions to her. When he was around she didn’t feel like that something out of her was missing as much as she did when she was alone. And she felt sorry that he loved her and she couldn’t remember him. During that evening, Henry wined and dined Sheridan. He danced slowly with her and whispered sweet nothings into her ear. Sheridan treid to enjoy it as much as possible, but her thoughts kept wandering to Luis. The way he had looked at her – with so much pain. Snap out of it Sheridan – the mans a loser. Forget about him and look at what is right in front of you. When Henry dropped Sheridan at her door he glanced at her, as if considering whether to make a move on her. Before he had time to decide Sheridan kissed him on the cheek, thanked him for the lovely night and went inside. What is wrong with you Sheridan? Get real. Here is a man who can make you happy. Whom you love. Forget about Luis. Just because he’s hot, it doesn’t mean he’s a nice person. Even as she thought that Sheridan was having doubts about the truth of that statement. I’ll have to talk to him about it. To see if I can tell that he is dishonest.

To Be Continued… Chapter 10:

“Luis I’m so sorry.” Pilar had taken her son home and he had been sitting there all night, staring into space. Pilar felt that she should leave him alone for a while. When she woke up and Luis was still sitting on the couch she decided to talk to him. “You okay?” “Mama – you have to talk to her. Maybe she does remember me. How could she forget?” luis put his head in his hands. “I know Luis.” “How could she? What am I going to do Mama – I love her.” Luis started crying again. “I’ll try to find out about Sheridan today, Ok Luis. Maybe the amnesia is only temporary. Maybe she will remember you soon.” “I hope so Mama.”

Even after Sheridan’s ‘death’ Luis hadn’t felt this helpless. At least then he knew that she loved him. At least he didn’t have to see her everyday with the knowledge that he loved her but she could never return it. Luis sat on the couch for a long time. When Pilar got home, he was still siitng there. He looked worn out, he had huge bags under his eyes and his face was puffy from crying. When he saw her walk in he asked deperately, “Did you find out? Did you see her?” “I spoke to Sheridan today. She seemed angry at you, but claimed that she couldn’t remember you. The doctor told her that there was a possibility that she would get her memory back – that she would get flashes of memory.”

“So she might remember me. I guess I’ll just have to wait.” Luis sighed. But at least he knew that one day they could be together. Everything was more hopeful to him now. “I’m going out Mama.” Luis suddenly decided that he had to see her. He wanted to look at her beautiful face. At least he could do that. At least he could dream. “Luis – please don’t. Give her a few days OK!” Pilar was worried. What she hadn’t want to tell Luis was that it seemed that Sheridan had moved on with another man in the time that she had been away. There had been photos of him and her all over Sheridan’s cottage. What she didn’t understand was how they would have had time to become a couple.

Unless they were a couple before. Unless Julian and Alistar had….. But Pilar didn’t want to even consider the possibility that the Crane family had something to do with this. Because she knew that if they did, Sheridan and Luis would have a lot more to overcome than her amnesia. “I just want to see her Mama – I won’t talk to her, I promise.” “Be careful Luis.” She warned him, as he left the house. When Luis arrived at Sheridan’s cottage, he was stunned by her beauty. He could see her through the open window, and was mesmerised by her. Is it possible that she has become even more beautiful than I remember her, he thought to himself.

All he wanted to do was to go inside and throw his arms around her, to have her respond to his kisses – if only once. Sheridan looked beautiful in a baby blue satin dress. It was strapless and flowed long and soft down to her ankles. Around her neck she wore a string of pearls that set off her skin to perfection. He saw her go to the door. A man was standing there. Sheridan smiled and kissed him on the cheek. She took her shawl off the stand and he wrapped it around her. He took her hand and led her to the car. Luis was shocked by what he had just witnessed. He couldn’t believe that Sheridan was seeing another man. He peered back in the window and he noticed a vase of red roses sitting on her coffee table. Then he saw the photos- of her with another man – with him. Luis felt like a knife had wounded his heart. He slowly walked home, feeling utterly dejected. …………………..

Henry had sent Sheridan a huge buch of roses that morning, with a note that read: I would love to take you out to dinner tonight Sheridan. Your beauty dazzles me. I want to spend as musch time with you as possible. When Sheridan had gotten the roses, something in her memory triggered. It caught her off-guard. She got the feeling that someone she deeply cared for had given her roses in her past. Such a stupid memory, she thought. Most guys send roses at some time or another. So now she was on a date with Henry. She was beginning to like his attentions to her. When he was around she didn’t feel like that something out of her was missing as much as she did when she was alone. And she felt sorry that he loved her and she couldn’t remember him. During that evening, Henry wined and dined Sheridan. He danced slowly with her and whispered sweet nothings into her ear.

Sheridan treid to enjoy it as much as possible, but her thoughts kept wandering to Luis. The way he had looked at her – with so much pain. Snap out of it Sheridan – the mans a loser. Forget about him and look at what is right in front of you. When Henry dropped Sheridan at her door he glanced at her, as if considering whether to make a move on her. Before he had time to decide Sheridan kissed him on the cheek, thanked him for the lovely night and went inside. What is wrong with you Sheridan? Get real. Here is a man who can make you happy. Whom you love. Forget about Luis. Just because he’s hot, it doesn’t mean he’s a nice person. Even as she thought that Sheridan was having doubts about the truth of that statement. I’ll have to talk to him about it. To see if I can tell that he is dishonest.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 11:

Ring Ring ……. Ring Ring. Sheridan awoke to the sound of her phone ringing. She reached out for it and said, "hello." "Sheridan?" a voice said. "Sorry, who is this?" Sheridan asked. She didn’t recognize the woman’s voice. "Sheridan Crane?" the voice asked. "Yes, this is Sheridan. But….." She was cut off mid-sentence. "Sheridan, honey, this is Mrs. Thorn, Henry’s aunt. I heard that you were back in town. Henry is really excited about it." The woman babbled. "Oh Mrs Thorn, what can I do for you?" "I wanted to ask you here for dinner on Christmas Eve. It’s only a month away. Everyone wants to see you again." "Again?…I’m sorry Mrs Thorn, but I can’t remember….." Sheridan started to say. "Oh yes, of course dear. That’s OK. How could I have forgotten? I have been thinking how Henry must be heartbroken that you can’t remember him. You two were really close – I think that Henry was about to propose to you when you disappeared."

"I know Mrs. Thorn. I’m so sorry, but I can’t commit to anyone while I can’t remember anything." "Oh yes, of course dear. No-one expects you to." The woman sighed as she said it, as if she didn’t believe what she had just said. Sheridan tried to block out the woman’s voice. She obviously wanted her and Henry together. But Sheridan didn’t want to think about that right now. "Yeah OK – I’ll be there." She accepted the invitation and hung up the phone. She collapsed back into bed and fell asleep. While she was sleeping she had had her first memory of her past. Although she didn’t realize it, the dream was only the beginning to the huge chain of events that was about to occur.

………….Dream………….

Sheridan found herself standing in a room. She looked at her reflection. It was her as a young girl. In the dream she was looking down at her hands, which seemed to be covered in blood. On the floor there was a white sheet covering what looked like a body. "I didn’t do it!" she found herself saying. "I didn’t mean to do it!" And as she was crying, a fuzzy voice was saying, "yes you did Sheridan. Now no-one will ever love you!" ………..End Dream………..

Sheridan was tossing and turning in bed when Henry walked in. "I didn’t mean to do it…. No…. I’m sorry!" Henry sat on the bed beside Sheridan and shook her gently. "Sheridan honey, wake up." Sheridan woke up with a start. She threw her arms around Henry, sobbing, "no man will ever love me," over and over again. Henry turned Sheridan’s face up to his so that she was looking at him. "Yes they will Sheridan. I’m you’re proof of that. I love you and I always will." Henry was playing his cards well. He hadn’t expected Sheridan to remember anything so soon and he was shaken by it. He knew that he had to make her his, and soon, before it was too late. Then he wouldn’t get his money. So, by declaring his love for her he was playing on her weakness – her fear that no man would ever love her. He had to make her believe that he was the man who could make her happy. "You do?" Sheridan asked through tear-filled eyes.

"Yes I do!" He leaned in to kiss her – Sheridan was vulnerable right now, and he intended to take advantage of that fact. Sheridan’s smile filled him with encouragement. He kissed her cheek and then moved on to brush her lips with his own. When he felt Sheridan respond, he was feeling very triumphant. They kissed passionately for a few more seconds, and then he pulled away. He wanted her to think that he would not take advantage of her. "Sheridan, you’re vulnerable right now, and I’m not going to take advantage of that," he said, while kissing her hand. Sheridan smiled. "You are such a gentleman. Thankyou." She maintained eye contact for a few seconds before turning away. "Did my aunt call you about Christmas?"

"Yeah, she did – I told her yes." Sheridan smiled. "Good – will you do me the honour of being my date?" he asked her charmingly. "Of course I will." "OK, that’s settled then." He made a move to leave. "Wait," Sheridan called to him. "Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?" "I’d love to" "About 7?" "See you then." Henry smiled to himself as he thought about how Sheridan was right where he wanted her. Now he had to figure out how to get her to agree to marry him – and soon! …………………… Sheridan smiled as she got into the shower. Henry is so nice, such a good man, she thought to herself. Maybe I should get together with him. I don’t want to lose any more of my life, wasting time trying to decide what to do. If I wait too long, he might give up on me – and what if my dream is true? What if no man will ever love me? What if this is my only chance?

Sheridan got out of the shower and dressed for lunch. She was going to the mansion for lunch with Julian and Rebecca. She put on a comfortable pair of jeans that flared out at the bottom, a pink singlet top and black slip-on’s. When she reached the mansion, she was greeted by Julian with a kiss on each cheek. "Sheridan – how has it been in Harmony since you got back?" He tried to sound genuine. He had been practicing acting genuine all day.

…………..Flashback…………. He had been staring into the mirror. "Hello Sheridan, how are you?" "Sheridan, you’re looking well," he rehearsed. He wanted to look real. He wanted Sheridan to believe him – to trust him – so that their plan could work. Just then Rebecca had walked past and laughed out loud when she saw the statement on Julian’s face. "Just try to smile," she advised. ………….End Flashback…………

After a lot more practice, Julian had become progressively better at it, so that by the time Sheridan showed up, she had no reason to doubt his sincerity. "Morning Julian – it has been OK!" Julian took her coat, like a gentleman, all the while thinking how silly Sheridan’s romantic notions were. "I met Luis yesterday!" she confided to Julian. When Julian heard that he took a sharp intake of breath. He knew that Luis was the key to Sheridan’s memory. But he also knew that if a meeting with Luis hadn’t made her remember something, then he had nothing to worry about. "Oh you did?" He tried to stay calm. "Yes. It was really strange. He grabbed me and spun me around. I didn’t know it was him, but I think that Luis is in love with me Julian."

"That’s what he is trying to make you think, Sheridan dear. He wants you for your money and power." "I know. I just wish I could remember." She sighed. "Don’t worry. All in good time!" Julian tried to comfort her. ………………….. During lunch Sheridan got to speaking about Henry. "He’s been so good to me since I got back. I really like him." She smiled at the memory of the kiss that they had shared this morning and how he had been a true gentleman and pulled back. Sheridan didn’t realize it, but that was her weakness. She had always been desperate to find a man who wouldn’t use her – who wouldn’t take advantage of her. That’s why Henry was having such an effect on her.

Julian saw the look on Sheridan’s face when she started daydreaming. As long as she’s not dreaming about Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald, he thought to himself. He knew that Sheridan was right where they wanted her. Time to move on to phase two of the plan. "Yeah, he really loves you, you know?" Julian told her. "Yeah I know. He told me this morning. But when I’m with him, I just feel like something is missing. It’s probably just my memory." "He doesn’t care – he will wait- he told me so this morning." "He’s such a great man." After lunch Sheridan took a look around the mansion, at Julian’s suggestion. When she reached the open study door, she paused.

Julian had left it open on purpose. "No father – I spoke to Henry this morning. He doesn’t care about the inheritance money. He loves Sheridan – he doesn’t expect her to marry him right away. Not when she can’t remember how much she loved him." "So he’s prepared to give up $20 million for her. At least we know that he is not using her like so many other guys in Sheridan’s life." "No, Henry would never take advantage of her. He’s a gentleman." Sheridan was shocked at what she heard. When the phone call ended, she left the mansion. Oh my God –I wonder what that inheritance thing was about? She made up her mind to ask him at dinner. She didn’t want him giving up that much money for her.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 12:

Luis found himself back at Sheridan’s cottage the next day. He saw Sheridan leave for the mansion and he sat on her steps to wait for her return. I have to hear her voice. I have to find out what has happened – why she hates me! When Sheridan returned from the mansion after lunch, and she found Luis sitting there, she was incredibly surprised. She hadn’t expected him to come and see her. She had wanted to talk to him, but when confronted by him, she didn’t know what to do. "Hi Luis." She looked at him with no warmth in her eyes. "Sheridan… You remember me?" he asked hopefully. "No I don’t – And from what I hear I don’t think that I want to remember you," she said coldly.

At that Luis’ face dropped. "Why do you say that?" "Because you are a user and a liar." Seeing Luis’ face staring at her in disbelief she added, "don’t try to deny it Luis. I was told all about how you tried to use me because you hate my family." "That’s not true Sh…" She didn’t let him finish. "I know how you told everyone in town that we were together when I went away! You were so desperate to get me that you didn’t care whom you hurt in the process," she said spitefully. Now Luis was confused. "But Sheridan, we were together. You love me and I love you."

"I don’t want to hear it Luis. Please just leave." She turned to go inside. Luis placed his hand gently on her shoulder, so that she would face him. And when she did turn, what she saw in his eyes confused her – it was a mixture of pain and love. And he was pleading with her to listen. "OK – I’m listening." She folded her arms and waited for it. "Don’t believe them Sheridan. Don’t listen to them. They don’t love you! They are just using your amnesia as an excuse to get you away from me! Please Sheridan, believe me – you have to believe me." "Who – who shouldn’t I trust?"

"Julian and your father!" Luis looked honest but she had no reason to believe that her family would betray her. No, Luis must be lying – he’s a damn good actor too! Sheridan was fuming. "And you expect me to take a users word over the word of my own family – what do you take me for, an idiot? You just want me to abandon my family so that I have no one to look out for me anymore. My family loves me and that’s all there is to it. Don’t bother me again Luis." She walked inside and slammed the door. Luis called after her. "Please just don’t tell them if you have any memories. Listen to me Sheridan." Sheridan threw a pillow at the window where he was standing.

…………………. Oh my god Sheridan, what have they done to you? What have they told you? Luis was furious with Julian and Alistar for interfering in his and Sheridan’s life. For interfering with their chance for a future together. And now Sheridan hated him. Luis found himself knocking on the door of the mansion. I am going to make him pay for what he has done to us – first my father – and then Sheridan. A very drunk Julian answered the door. He had hardly caught a glimpse of Luis before Luis hit him right between the eyes. Julian staggered backwards. "Oh Luis," he said sarcastically after he recovered from the shock. "You won’t get away with this Julian!" Luis raged. With that he started laying into Julian. That is until security came and dragged him away.

Luis walked home with tears in his eyes. He had to make her see. He had to make her remember! But how? She won’t even let me near her. How can I convince her? He asked himself. And by the time he got home, a plan was beginning to form in his mind. ………………………. "What is this about your inheritance Henry?" Sheridan asked when they had eaten dinner. Henry almost spat out his wine. "What? How do you know about that?" "I overheard my father and Julian talking about it. They said that you were willing to give up $20 million for me." "Don’t worry about it Sheridan." "No henry – if we are ever going to work, I need you to be completely honest with me."

"OK I’ll tell you. It’s my birthday 2 days after New Years. If I am not married by that day then I lose my inheritance of $20 million." Henry looked down. "I didn’t want to tell you because…" "I understand. But please don’t give it up for me," she told him. "But Sheridan, you are the only woman that I want to be with. I can’t marry just anyone. I love you too much for that." "You are so good Henry" she smiled at him, tears in her eyes. "Pleases don’t cry – I don’t care about the money. Don’t you see? He pleaded as he kissed her tears away. "All I care about is you."

After Henry had gone home, Sheridan thought through the events of the last couple of days. With Luis and then Henry, she was exhausted. She decided to get some sleep before tomorrow. Because tomorrow Henry was taking her to a magic show at the Lobster Shack. Sheridan thought that it sounded familiar – like she had done something like this before. I probably just went to heaps of magic shows when I was a kid, she told herself. What she didn’t realize was that she had only ever been to one magic show before in her whole life. And that was not all that long ago.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 13:

Everything was set. Luis knew that if this plan to get Sheridan to remember didn’t work, then nothing would. Tonight she will remember me. We will be together, he thought to himself, as he saw Sheridan walk in with Henry. When they arrived, they were taken to the table where Luis and Beth, and Sheridan and Hank had sat on their double date all those months ago. Sheridan wondered why this seemed familiar, but she brushed off the feeling, deciding that she had probably been to the Lobster Shack many times before in her life.

By placing Sheridan at this table and setting off the events that were to follow, Luis was hoping to set off a chain of events so powerful that she couldn’t help but remember. The magic show started. Sheridan was thoroughly enjoying herself as she watched the magician pull rabbits out of hats, and making things disappear. Sheridan thought that she couldn’t remember the last time she had had this much fun. When it came time for the finale, the magician looked at Luis, who nodded towards Sheridan.

"For my final act, I need a volunteer – someone brave and daring. Miss..." he said pointing at Sheridan. "Will you help me? The beautiful lady in the front row has volunteered to help me." Luis knew that this would hurt her. He hated to do it to Sheridan. But he also knew that if he didn’t, she would never be with him, and she would make a huge mistake staying with Henry. God, I hope she forgives me, he prayed as Sheridan rose from her chair, looked at Henry, and approached the stage. Suddenly a large box appeared. Why it filled her with panic, Sheridan didn’t know. The magician helped her into the box and shut the lid. Why do I get the feeling of déjà vu? She thought nervously as she climbed into the box.

Then the box seemed to be suffocating her. "Please let me out!" she called from inside the box. Then she went off into a distorted reality. Here she was a young girl looking down at a coffin. "I didn’t do it!" she started yelling. "I didn’t mean to do it." Henry and Luis both rushed up to the stage at the same time, Luis because he could sense Sheridan’s pain, and Henry, because Luis did. "Sheridan – what’s going on?" he asked confusedly. "Sheridan – Sheridan…I’m gonna get you out of there." Luis said the exact same words that he had used the last time this happened.

When the box was opened, there were tears streaming down Sheridan’s face. Luis picked her up and carried her outside into the fresh air. Henry followed. He set her down on a seat and reached out to touch her face. She was shaking uncontrollably, and Luis wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms until her pain had subsided. "Don’t touch her Lopez-Fitzgerald," Henry warned. He pushed Luis aside and sat down in front of her. "It’s OK Sheridan! I’m here now."

Sheridan woke up from her vision and saw Henry sitting in front of her. He looked so concerned. She wrapped her arms around him. You saved me! You got me out of there! Sheridan thought that Henry was the one who had saved her. As she thought it, Sheridan knew that something wasn’t right. This had happened to her before and someone had saved her then too. Could it have been Henry? She asked herself. Sheridan noticed that Luis was looking at her expectantly. He expected her to remember by now,

Instead she turned to Henry and said, "please take me home Henry." Henry took Sheridan’s hand and led her away. Before Sheridan went inside tonight Henry gave her a passionate kiss. She went inside and fell asleep – exhausted.

…………. Dream…………….

"Let me out of here" she was calling. Sheridan was in a box, a coffin. She could see herself as a child with blood on her hands. She could hear voices knocking on the box. "Don’t worry Sheridan, you’ll be OK," a voice said. "Help me please help." "Sheridan – Sheridan…I’m gonna get you out of there." The voice was muffled. She couldn’t hear who it was, but it calmed her. When the box opened, Sheridan tried to see what her hero looked like. Somehow she knew that the man who dragged her out of that box was the man she loved, the man of her dreams, the man that she wanted to spend her life with. ………. End Dream…………….

"Luis…. Luis." Sheridan was talking in her sleep. When she woke up she did not remember saying that. But she remembered her dream. She knew that the man who had saved her was the only man for her. Henry, she thought to herself. It must be Henry. Just like he saved me this time! …………………………………

To say that Luis was disappointed would be an understatement. After Sheridan had left with Henry, he knew that there would never be a chance for him and Sheridan again. He had thought that his plan was foolproof. What he hadn’t counted on was that boyfriend of Sheridan's to get in the way. I was the one who saved her! I was the one who got her out. If it hadn’t been for that little twit, we might be together now! Luis didn’t realize how close to the truth he actually was. Right at that second Sheridan was dreaming about him – dreaming about the love of her life. Only she had mistaken him for someone else.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 14:

It was Christmas Eve. Sheridan had been spending a lot of time with Henry since she had that dream. She knew now that if he was the man in her dreams – she loved him – her hero – the man who had saved her. And she believed that he was that man, and Henry did nothing to dissuade her from thinking that.

Sheridan was wearing a long pink dress when Henry came to pick her up. She looked like an angel with her blonde hair occasionally falling into her eyes. In her hair she wore a pink rose. Too bad that I have to do this to her, Henry thought as he looked at Sheridan appreciatively. She will never be happy with me once she finds out that I don’t love her. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll enjoy her in bed! He licked his lips as he thought about a naked Sheridan, tied to the bedposts, moaning in pleasure and in pain as he had his wicked way with her. Only a couple of days now, my sweet Sheridan! He knew that tonight was the night when everything was going to happen. His future with Sheridan would be determined once and for all. ……………………….

Sheridan didn’t know why she had taken Luis’ advice. She had been getting progressively more memories as the weeks went on, but she hadn’t told Julian or her father. She remembered a man – the man that she loved. She just assumed that it was Henry. Because in her dreams the love of her life was faceless. ……………………….. "Sheridan… Henry!" A large woman beamed at them. "Glad you could come."

Dinner was a very merry affair. Sheridan got to know all of Henry’s family. They already knew all about her. When it came time for presents to be exchanged Sheridan gave Henry her gift to him. It was a photo of him and her together that had been taken on one of their dates, along with a watch. "Thankyou, I love it!" He smiled warmly at her and kissed her softly on the lips. Henry gave Sheridan a beautiful gold necklace that she put on right away. "Thanks sweetheart. It’s beautiful." "Not as beautiful as you Sher," Henry replied.

When all the gifts had been exchanged, only one small package remained under the tree. Henry walked over to it and picked it up. He handed it to her slowly. Sheridan opened the package. Inside was a beautiful diamond ring. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked questioningly at Henry. "I know I said that I wouldn’t rush you Sheridan – but I love you – and I think you love me. All I want is your promise that someday you will marry me. It doesn’t have to be soon – but I need to know." Sheridan got up and rushed outside without saying a word. She didn’t know what to do. She was sure that she loved him but could she commit to him so soon?

When Henry came up behind her she turned around. "I’m sorry Sheridan, I’m sorry for asking." "No Henry – I just needed time to think about it." "And…"" he probed. "And I decided that I would accept your proposal. I will marry you Henry." She smiled at him and prayed silently to God that she was doing the right thing. Henry slipped the ring on her finger and silently congratulated himself for a job well done. He had Sheridan in the palm of his hand. What Sheridan didn’t realize was that she had accepted the wrong man – and somewhere, not so far away, the right man was dreaming about her. ……………………………..

At the Lopez-Fitzgerald residence Christmas was uncharacteristically gloomy. Under the tree were all the Christmas presents ready for opening, but a spirit of sadness and of regret hung over the house. "Come on guys – lets have presents." Theresa made an effort to cheer everyone up. "Come on Luis," she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him up. Luis gave his sister a half-hearted smile. "OK Theresa, let’s start Christmas." And he thought to himself, another Christmas without her!

After all the presents had been opened, Luis looked at the two remaining under the tree. He picked them up. They were presents from him to Sheridan. After Luis had been made detective he had decided to shop early. He wanted to get everybody something that would tell them how much he loved them. Especially Sheridan!

……………Flashback…………….

"No-one has ever given me anything that was filled with love before Luis," she had once confided to him. "Even as a child – all my gifts were given to me from a sense of duty." With that in mind Luis had gone to buy her some Christmas presents – A beautiful, soft teddy bear that he kissed to send his love to Sheridan and a white gold, sapphire and diamond engagement ring. He didn’t want to live without her another minute. Christmas Eve would be the perfect time to propose to the love of his life. ……………End Flashback……………..

Luis sighed as he fingered the presents that he had planned to give her. He decided to take her the teddy bear anyway. After all, he had bought it for her. He wouldn’t give it to anyone else. Luis wanted her to have it – even if she didn’t know who it was from. He walked to her cottage. All the lights were off. She must be out, he thought as he placed the present on her doorstep and turned away. …………………………..

Sheridan wasn’t out- she was already asleep- dreaming about the love of her life – about who she thought was Henry. She was startled when she woke up to hear something at the door. She turned on the lamp and pulled on her robe. She opened the door and saw the shadow of a man walking away. Henry? She thought. But he looks like…No that was crazy! Why would it be Luis? It must be Henry! Sheridan turned to go back inside.

Then she noticed it – the package lying on the step. She smiled and thought how romantic Henry was. She went inside and sat on the lounge and opened the present. When she saw the teddy bear and hugged it close to her, a warm feeling of love swept over her. She remembered…

……………………Flashback…………………….

"I will give you something that is filled with love Sheridan. Always and forever. When you get it, you will know that it is from me, because I will have filled it with undying love for you, " a man said gently. "Thankyou." She leaned over and kissed him. ………..End Flashback……………..

Henry! It must have been him. I love him so much! All thoughts of Luis were gone from her mind. She called Julian. "Hello" he said groggily. "Julian – I’m sorry. I know how late it is!" "Sheridan – you OK?" He was forever acting the concerned brother. "Yeah I’m fine – actually I’m better than fine. Henry proposed to me and I accepted." She smiled. "Oh that’s great. Congratulations." Julian could hardly contain his excitement. "So are you getting married soon?" he asked. "No…I don’t know….why?" "Because of his inher…. Never mind!"

The inheritance! Sheridan had forgotten about that. Henry had been so patient and so kind that Sheridan had forgotten about his problems. And now that they were engaged he wasn’t even pushing her for a quick marriage. "Oh goodness – I forgot about that!" "What?" Julian inquired, knowing full well what she was talking about. "Julian, what would you say if I said I was getting married on January 2nd?" "I would say – there’s heaps to do!" "Well that’s when I’m getting married!" she exclaimed. Henry had been so good to her and so understanding of her. Now Sheridan was going to do something for him. ………………………………….

"Are you sure Sheridan?" Henry asked cautiously. "You know I don’t care about the money." "Yeah I know – and that’s why I’m doing it. If we are going to get married anyway, it might as well be right away. Henry I have to go – I gotta organize our wedding." "OK – thanks Sheridan…I love you!" "I love you too – Bye."

To Be Continued…

Chapter 15:

Everything had been arranged. The dress was sitting in Sheridan’s lounge room, waiting for the big day. The church was booked, the flowers ordered, the reception arranged. Sheridan had had a busy few days. She was going to marry Henry in two days. Sometimes she got an uneasy feeling about it all. But she just shrugged it off as pre-wedding jitters. …………………………………..

Luis hadn’t seen Sheridan since the magic show. He felt the need to see her – he wanted to see if she had gotten the bear. When he reached her cottage, he saw her, looking stunning as always. She was wearing a knee length grey skirt with a purple tight-fitting T-shirt on. Luis was so preoccupied with looking at he that he didn’t notice at first what was going on in the cottage. When he finally took his eyes off his love, he looked around to see if he could see the bear. That’s when he saw it – the dress hanging in the doorway. It was a wedding dress. Luis looked at Sheridan in panic – fear filling his heart. He saw her ring and couldn’t contain himself any longer.

He burst into the cottage to confront her. "Sheridan, you can’t marry him. You don’t love him – you can’t love him." "And why not?" Sheridan replied hotly. "Because you love me!" "I’m sick and tired of this Luis – I do not love you. And I have been remembering my past. Henry is the man I love. I am going to marry him." She turned away from Luis. "Sheridan – you can’t! How can you remember something that didn’t happen?…How can you remember someone you didn’t know?"

"There you go with your stupid lies again Luis. Look if it’s money you want I’ll give it to you. But please just leave me alone. Let me be happy! Here!" And with that she threw a wad of money at him. Luis let the money fall to the floor. "Why would I want your money? All I want is you, that’s all! I wouldn’t care if we lived in a treehouse – as long as I had you!" "It’s never going to happen Luis – Ever!" She had stepped closer to him to emphasize her point. Before she knew what had hit her, Luis had her in an embrace and he crushed his lips to hers with all the passion that he had contained for months.

When he released her, Sheridan felt herself go weak at the knees. Why did I respond to that bully’s kiss? She asked herself. Why did I let myself be surprised by him again? "Let go of me Luis." Her eyes flashed dangerously. Luis was still holding her because she had almost fallen. Luis let her go and she yelled at him. "You think that got to me? Well you are wrong! I hate you and I never want to set eyes on you again. I am marrying Henry in two days whether you like it or not."

Sheridan turned around and tried to move away. Luis grabbed her by the wrist, almost a little too roughly. "Sheridan…I won’t let you…" He stopped short when her hand connected with his face. "Don’t you ever touch me again." With that she stormed off and slammed the door.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 16:

Both Sheridan and Luis cried themselves to sleep, each thinking of the other. How could he lie to me like that? Sheridan asked herself. Why did he kiss me? Why did it feel so good – so right? How could she not remember me? Luis was thinking. How could that kiss mean nothing to her? How can she do this to me? ……………………………. Early on Friday morning, the day before her wedding, Sheridan decided to go for a long walk along the beach – to think things out. Luis had affected her more than she thought possible. But then that was what she had been warned about. She remembered back to the dream she had last night…

……….Dream………….

"Maybe you and I will be sisters soon Sheridan." A pretty girl with brown eyes was talking to her. "When you marry my brother!" "Who says I’m going to marry him?" Sheridan had joked, but she knew that if he asked her now – she would say yes without hesitation. Because she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. ……….End Dream…………

Did Henry have a sister? She wondered as she walked. Maybe it was only a dream! Maybe it didn’t really happen. She tried to put it out of her mind. …………………………… Luis had told Theresa the whole story. She knew she had to try – she had to do what she could for Luis! And for Sheridan! Luis had always done everything for her and Miguel. Now she could do something for him in return. She went to the Youth Centre and took the photo of Sheridan and Luis from Luis’ desk. This may come in handy, Theresa told herself. Then she went to find Sheridan. ……………………………

When Sheridan saw Theresa she almost doubled over in shock. The girl…the girl from my dream! "Sheridan…You OK?" Theresa asked. "Yeah I’m fine… Do I know you?" Sheridan asked the younger girl. "Yeah you do… well, you did! I’ll get right to the point. I know that you are marrying Henry tomorrow – and I think that you are making a huge mistake!" Theresa spoke quickly. "What? …Don’t you want me to marry Henry?" Sheridan was surprised. Henry’s own sister was telling her not to marry Henry. "You love Luis, Sheridan… You should be marrying him!" "What…I don’t…I hate Luis" Sheridan spluttered.

"At least wait until you remember everything!" Theresa suggested. "No…I do remember…I love Henry…He’s my hero!" "How can that be?" "It’s hard to explain…It’s about a teddy bear…and a coffin…Forget it! I have to go!" Sheridan ran off and Theresa knew that she might be able to help Sheridan remember. It seemed to her that Sheridan had mixed up her men. And the teddy bear was the key.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 17:

………….Dream……………..

Sheridan was speaking to someone. She was sitting inside a shower cubicle, crying her eyes out. "You used me. You used me for my money. I heard you, I saw you that night on the wharf. I heard you talking on your phone to someone. You called me a spoiled princess. You said that you were using me for my money." "What? It couldn’t have been me!" "It was. I saw you. It was at about 11pm. I came back to tell you that I was in love with you." The man placed his arm around Sheridan and lifted her chin up, so that she was looking at him.

"Listen to me Sheridan. I would NEVER EVER use you okay. You should know that by now. I thought that we had something special. I thought that we had a connection. You see I knew that you were in danger in Paris. That’s why I came to save you. Maybe we have lost that connection in the last few months – I don’t know. But I would have thought that you would KNOW that it wasn’t me. It couldn’t have been anyway. I was at the station. I’ll prove it to you Sheridan." Sheridan looked into the eyes of the man and knew that he could never lie to her.

"I believe you." "You believe me? – Just like that?" "Yes – just like that! We do have a connection. As soon as I looked into your eyes I knew that you didn’t say those things about me." ………….End Dream………… ………..Dream……………….. Again Sheridan was with the man of her dreams. "Me? You are the one who ran off this morning." "I explained that in my note – you got my note." "What note? – I didn’t see any note." "I left it for you – I found it crumpled up in your waste paper basket. Here." "I love you Sheridan" the man whispered into her ear. She smiled and hugged him tighter. "I love you too - forever" ……….End Dream………..

Sheridan woke up early. It was her wedding day. Why she woke up with Luis on her mind she didn’t know. Probably because of that kiss! She told herself. She was very uneasy about the whole wedding idea. She hadn’t even spoken to Henry for days. She had been so busy preparing for the wedding that she had hardly noticed. Henry had been on a business trip.

He called her now…..Ring Ring……. "Hello" "Hi darling…. Big day, huh?" "Yep…I’m just about to start getting ready!" "Me too. I’d better let you go! See you there baby!" "Bye" she answered. "I love you!" Henry had already hung up the phone. That was weird, Sheridan thought. He didn’t even say he loved me! Don’t be so stupid Sheridan…he’s probably just excited! ……………………………

If Sheridan could have seen Henry at that moment, she wouldn’t have said so. As soon as he hung up the phone he got out of bed. "Honey, where are you going?" a woman asked from the bed. "Chantelle – you know it’s my wedding day today. Remember?" Chantelle just giggled. "All that money – it will be ours Henry. Julian Crane is going to make us rich forever. You have done so well getting that spoiled brat to believe you – to fall in love with you!"

"I know darling…. And after tonight, I won’t have to pretend anymore." He got back down on the bed and slid his way up Chantelle’s naked body. "Are you going to sleep with her?" Chantelle pouted. "I have to…But don’t worry…It’s you I love and not Sheridan Crane. Besides I’m going to play rough with her. I will enjoy beating her and taking her by force. And I’ll have to take her by force, cause she won’t want to sleep with me after she finds out that I hate her." Henry was growing hard just thinking about what he would do to Sheridan.

"She turns you on Henry" Chantelle pointed out, pouting. "I can play dirty too, you know?" She reached down and touched his erect penis. "I know you can baby." "Can we play dirty now, honey?" "I think we have time," he whispered as Chantelle started to devour his manhood. ……………………………. Sheridan started to get ready for her wedding. She looked beautiful when she was done, but she didn’t feel beautiful. And to add to that – it had started raining. Maybe it’s an omen! She thought as she looked at the black sky. Then she cursed herself for being so stupid.

She was ready by the time the chauffeur arrived. He came up to the door and knocked loudly. "Hello Miss Crane. All ready?" he inquired. "I’m as ready as I’ll ever be," she answered. Why do I feel so wrong? So incomplete? This should be the happiest day of my life, she thought as she prepared to leave. "Oh and Miss…This was on your doorstep. You can open it in the car – we have to go or we’ll be late!" the driver said as he handed her a small envelope. "Thanks" she said as she got into the limo. ……………………………….

Theresa had dropped by that morning and placed the envelope on Sheridan’s steps. She only prayed that it would work. ………………………………. Sheridan looked at the envelope curiously. She opened it and a few photos and a slip of paper fell out. She gasped at what she saw. "You OK Miss Crane?" the chauffeur asked concernedly. "Yeah I’m fine" she lied. What she had in front of her was a photo of her and Luis kissing. She was wearing a blue sundress and they were at the airport. The slip of paper read:

Sheridan, It was Luis! Luis bought you the teddy bear! He loves you! And you love him! By the way, I’m Luis’ little sister. Theresa

Sheridan began to panic. How could it be true? Luis and me? Did Julian and father and Henry lie to me? Surely not! No I don’t believe it – Theresa is Luis’ sister. She is probably just helping him out. She is probably just lying – obviously that trait runs in the family.

After that Sheridan calmed down. That was the only explanation for all this. And as for that photo – for all she knew it could be computer-generated. Or it could have been taken when she and Luis were dating – Julian and Alistar had told her that she had liked him until she found out the he was using her. By the time she got to the church, Sheridan had almost forgotten about Theresa and Luis. She was going to marry Henry now. Nothing else mattered.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 18:

Everyone who attended the wedding of Sheridan Crane and Henry Thorn envied the beauty of the woman who walked down the aisle. Sheridan looked breathtaking in her custom made gown. The bodice, which was speckled with sequins, hugged her body perfectly. The skirt flowed long and soft down to her feet, and looked as if it was made from yards of material. Adorning her head was a long veil with a rim of roses atop it. The veil covered her face. Sheridan was glad that her face was unobservable to the onlooker. For if they could have seen her face as she walked down the aisle, they surely would have noticed that Sheridan did not look like the happiest bride alive. It wasn’t that she doubted her love for Henry, rather she was just trying to make sense of the past week -–of the past month. Now she was a nervous wreck.

Is Henry the love of my life? If he was wouldn’t I know that I was doing the right thing? Then she cursed herself. Snap out of it Sheridan. You don’t live in a fairytale! As if you would just know that somewhere deep down, you loved Henry. When she saw the man waiting at the altar for her, heart skipped a beat. Luis……? Her mind was playing tricks on her. Get over Luis, Sheridan! She told herself, as she looked again and saw Henry. She instantly smiled at him, and as she did, she thought she caught a glimpse of triumph – of hatred in his eyes, rather than happiness or love.

In an instant it was gone, and Sheridan told herself that she had imagined it. Just like she had imagined so much that had happened in the past few weeks. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, and by the time she reached the altar she was shaking with fear. Or was it nervousness? Sheridan didn’t know which!

Henry saw Sheridan’s face as she approached the altar. He looked at her nervously, half-expecting her to run away from him. He took her hand and gazed into her eyes, searching them for assent to go forward with the ceremony. That look convinced Sheridan that Henry did love her, and that she had only imagined everything else, and the ceremony proceeded. ……………………………….

Theresa looked on in disbelief. Sheridan had gotten the note, hadn’t she? How could my plan not have worked? For a while there it had looked as if Sheridan might back out of the wedding, but now the ceremony was going full steam ahead. Poor Luis, she thought, and she silently prayed, "Oh God, please help her see! Don’t let her make this mistake!" ……………………………….

"Where are you going Miguel?" Luis asked his brother. "To the Youth Centre to play some basketball. You wanna come?" "No Miguel, I’m really not good company at the moment." At this very moment the love of his life was marrying another man. "Yeah I know. I’m sorry Luis about Sheridan. She was a fool not to believe you – not to give you another chance!" Miguel comforted his brother.

"Well the Cranes have a way of making everyone bend to their will." Luis said bitterly. "But my heart is breaking for Sheridan because one day she will wake up and remember everything. She will know that everything her father and brother told her was a lie, and then she will realize what a sham her marriage is. Sheridan will never be happy now, and she deserves happiness more than anyone I know." Luis was crying and he put his head in his hands.

"Luis, you sure you don’t want to come to play? It would take your mind off her." Miguel asked. "Um I don’t know Miguel…I don’t think anything could do that!" "Well you won’t know unless you come and find out." Luis knew that not even an earthquake could get his mind off Sheridan right now, but he agreed. "OK little bro., you’re on!" ……………………………….. "I Henry Thorn take you Sheridan Crane to be my wife. I promise to love you and respect you all the days of my life," Henry repeated. But to himself he sneered, I’ll teach you some respect all right! He smiled and squeezed her hand.

Sheridan had her eyes closed. In her imagination she was standing at the altar exchanging vows with the love of her life. This was the moment she had always dreamed of. Now it was here. Right on cue, Sheridan said, "I Sheridan Crane take you Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald to be my…" Suddenly Sheridan opened her eyes, when she realized what she had said.

It was Luis! It was Luis all along! Sheridan closed her eyes to remember her fantasy at the altar. Luis is the love of my life! He is the one I’m meant to be with – not Henry! Suddenly everything became clear. Her memory was not clouded anymore. All those memories that had involved her lover, it was Luis, not Henry whom she adored. And she thanked the lord for helping her to see! Before she made the biggest mistake of her life. Sheridan thought about the teddy bear. How she had felt the love flow out of it! It was love from Luis to her – it was the gift that he had promised her. That love would be in his gifts always. Tears filled Sheridan’s eyes. "I’m sorry Luis…" she whispered to no one in particular. …………………………………

A rough jerk on her wrist brought Sheridan back to reality. "What are you doing?" Henry hissed. "You can’t do this to me. Not now, not after all my work!" "Work? So that’s what I am to you? Work! You are nothing but a LIAR – a user and a liar. Why was I so stupid to believe you?" Henry still had a hold of her wrist. He gripped it tighter so that it was filling Sheridan with pain. "Let go of me!" Sheridan screamed as she wrenched her wrist from his grasp and tried to run down the aisle.

"Sheridan you can’t do this!" Julian stepped in front of her. "And why should I listen to you?" Sheridan asked sarcastically. "Because I know what’s best for you. Come on…Whatever he did is not that bad…surely?" Julian was drunk as usual and he didn’t realize that Sheridan had her memory back. He thought that she and Henry must have had a fight. "You are a bastard Julian. How could you do what you did to anyone, let alone your own sister?" Sheridan’s cheeks were flaring.

"You are going to marry Henry whether you like it or not Sheridan!" He grabbed her arm and started to drag her up the aisle. "No…Let go of me… Luis….Luis…" Sheridan was crying in fear. Then she thought about Luis and how she had to get to him and she found the strength to get herself free from Julian’s grip and run out into the rain.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 19:

When Sheridan got outside, she paused because of the heavy rain. But only for an instant! She ran out onto the gravel road, with nothing but Luis in mind. I have to get to him, she told herself. I have to make him forgive me – I need to feel his arms around me! Sheridan smiled as she ran down the road, imagining their reunion, and how wonderful it would be. ………………………… Henry was furious at Sheridan for making a fool of him – for making him lose all that money! He grabbed Chantelle, who was one of the guests and pulled her along to his car. "That bitch is going to get it Chantelle" he spat. "I’m gonna make her and that boyfriend of hers pay!"

"Just leave it Henry! She’s not worth it!" Chantelle told him. Henry just looked at her evilly. "I mean, baby, you still have me!" She pouted. "It’s not the same. I would have owned Sheridan. She would have been my possession." "Henry…come on…. What are you going to do to her?" "Well I plan on killing her." "No you can’t kill her…." Chantelle was silenced by Henry placing his hand roughly over her mouth. "Shhhh…." He said as he caught a glimpse of Sheridan just ahead. …………………………………….

Sheridan saw them coming. Only one person in town owned a bright blue sports car that looked like that – Henry! Oh no…. He wants to hurt me! I saw the look in his eyes when I remembered Luis! What am I going to do? It was still about a five minute run to Luis’ house. Henry would surely catch her by then. Sheridan started to cry. All she could think of was that she was never going to see Luis again, would never have the chance to apologize to him for the nasty things she said to him, and most of all, never tell him that she loved him with all her heart!

As Henry approached in his car, he pulled over and grabbed a wrench from the boot. He started walking closer to her. Suddenly Sheridan had an idea! She picked up her now soaking skirt, and ran as fast as she could into the bushes alongside the road. She knew this area better than Henry Thorn could. She remembered running through these bushes as a child, pretending to run away from her family. Sheridan was glad now! She dove into the bushes and ran as fast as she could towards Harmony, which wasn’t very fast in a wedding dress in the rain and with bits of bushes scratching her face and arms as she ran. But Sheridan didn’t feel any pain! All she felt was fear, and an urgency to get to Luis. She knew that if she could only get to Luis, she would feel safe.

Henry cursed when he saw her run into the bushes. "You stupid bitch" he screamed. "I’m going to get you!" And he made his way towards the bushes. When he saw how far away Sheridan was, he threw the wrench down with all of his might, and stormed back to his car, muttering about how he wouldn’t let her get away with this, and how he would let her have her fun and then…. …………………………………. Sheridan picked herself up off the ground for what seemed like the millionth time. She looked at her hands, which were scratched badly from the bushes. Her face was stinging in the rain and her legs were aching from running. But even though Henry had given up for now, she didn’t want to risk him finding her. She pushed her way out of the bushes right in front of Luis’ house.

She knocked urgently. "Theresa." Sheridan gasped for breath when Theresa opened the door. "Sheridan…what happened to you?" she asked looking at Sheridan who was soaking wet and scratched. "Why are you here?" She added. ""Where’s Luis?" Sheridan demanded, ignoring all the questions. ""Sheridan, I think you need to change. I’ll lend you some clothes," she said, indicating Sheridan’s soaked wedding dress. "Theresa, please…where is he?" Sheridan repeated and then as an afterthought said "Thanks for the clothes offer...but I really need to find Luis."

"He’s at the Youth Centre. But Sheridan…" But Sheridan was already racing down the driveway, towards the Youth Centre. "Thanks" she called over her shoulder. …………………………………… "That’s a game!" Luis said triumphantly, as the kids on his team gave him a high five. "OK bro, I think I’m gonna sit the next one out. Come get me when the game’s over okay?" he told Miguel. "Yeah sure Luis." Luis went into his office to think about Sheridan. As much as he didn’t want to think about her marrying Henry, he still loved her. He noticed that some music was playing in the background.

Lyin’ in my bed
Thoughts in my head
Visions of you
But I can’t get through the night

Tears came to Luis’ eyes as he heard the song. That’s you Sheridan! That’s what you do to me!

So pick up the phone
I know you’re home
You’re playing with my heart
And you know that it just ain’t right
It’s just a game of love, love, love

And even though it’s hard baby
I can never give you up
You’re the one I’m dreaming of
I can’t live without you’re love
Tonight
And it’s you that I adore
You’re the one that I live for
Inside

Of you, I’m dreaming of you
So I got in the car
But I didn’t get far
‘Cause the radio played
Every song that I sang with you
Yesterday’s gone
And it may be true
But you know that
I’ll never get over you
(Dreamin’ of you, Celine Dion)

That’s how Miguel found his brother after the second game of basketball. His head was on his desk, he had tears in his eyes, and he was playing that song over and over again. "Hey Luis." Miguel placed his hand on Luis’ shoulder. Luis started. "Miguel… Is the game done?" He wiped the tears from his eyes "Yeah – all the kids want to see you. But I’ll tell them that you can’t. We can go home…" "No Miguel. It’s all right. Lets go." Luis stood up and turned off the song. By the time he reached the courts, he was smiling.

Miguel admired Luis – he always managed to convince the younger kids that he was okay, when he was actually torn up inside. But the older kids knew better. They knew that Sheridan had cut Luis deep, as much as he tried to hide it. They could see the pain through his eyes. "Who wants to celebrate?" Luis yelled to the kids around him. "What are we celebrating?" Eric, a young boy, asked. "Our victory." Luis replied. "So who wants to celebrate?" He repeated enthusiastically. But before the kids could respond a voice from the corner of the room spoke. "I do!"

To Be Continued…

Chapter 20:

Luis almost fell over when he heard that voice. It was soft and sweet and only one person in the world could own that voice – the voice that could set his heart on fire. He turned around as slowly as possible, for fear that he had imagined it and she wouldn’t be there when he turned around. Actually he fully expected that to happen. He had been seeing her everywhere lately. Besides how could it be her? It was her wedding day! Miguel had seen her with Henry – her fiancé – walking down the aisle.

But when he turned around, she was indeed there, staring at him intensely. "Sheridan…." He whispered almost inaudibly from across the gym. "You can’t be here!" He stepped a few steps closer to her. He needed to touch her, to feel her, before he would believe that he wasn’t crazy. He rubbed his eyes like a sleepy child. "Luis…It is me! I’m finally here!" "So you….?" He didn’t want to ask for fear that she would tell him that she hadn’t remembered. Luis just stared at her. Sheridan hadn’t broken eye contact with him for what seemed like forever.

But now Sheridan looked down, as if ashamed. "I’m sorry Luis – I’m so sorry for what you went through – for what I put you through. I shouldn’t have…" She stopped, because the lump in her throat wouldn’t allow her to go on. She looked back into Luis’ eyes, hoping beyond hope, that she would see forgiveness in them. What she saw were the eyes that were the most honest eyes she had ever seen. She remembered back to the pain that she had seen in those same eyes the night that she had hurt him so badly –the night that she had called him a liar and told him to never bother her again.

And she looked down at the floor again – and started sobbing uncontrollably. "I’m…sorry…for…." But before she could finish, Luis had rushed over to her and pulled her into his arms. He had seen her beautiful, fragile body, convulsing with sobs. He couldn’t bear to see it. It had broken his heart to hear her apologize for something that she had no control over. So in an instant he was standing with her in his arms – where she belonged. ………………………….

When Sheridan felt Luis’ arms wrapping around her, she put her head on his chest and her arms around his neck, and cried into his shirt. "I’m so sorry Luis…" she kept saying. "Shhh…it’s OK Sheridan. It’s not your fault." He stroked her hair. "But I…" Luis raised her face to his so that she was looking at him. "No Sheridan! All that matters is that you are here now – with me!" This he said firmly but gently. "Where I belong!" Sheridan added. "Yes – where you belong" he repeated into her ear as he pulled her in towards him so that he could hold her. ………………………….

Miguel and the other kids from the Youth Centre had watched this exchange in amazement. The love that those two had for each other was the type of love that most people only dream about. They were so happy for Luis and Sheridan. If any two people deserved this kind of love – it was Luis and Sheridan. They cleared out as quietly as possible so as not to disturb the lovers. But as far as Luis and Sheridan were concerned – only an earthquake could have roused them from their embrace. …………………………..

Luis noticed that he was all wet. He pulled out of the embrace and looked at Sheridan. He noticed that she was soaking wet and covered in scratches and bruises. Luis was enraged at himself for not noticing before. But the fact was that he had been so bewitched by her mere presence at the Youth Centre that he hadn’t noticed much at all. "Sheridan – what happened to you?" he asked her concernedly. Sheridan was surprised by the urgency of his voice. She had forgotten all about Henry chasing her, the bushes, the rain. But now she remembered.

"Oh I’m OK Luis – it’s just a few scratches" she said, not wanting to face up to the reality that Henry had wanted to kill her. "No Sheridan – you’re not all right, look at you." Sheridan thought about how she might not have made it here, if it hadn’t been for those cuts and bruises – if it hadn’t been for those bushes. She started to cry and pulled Luis close. "Just hold me Luis – don’t let me go." "I’m not letting you go anywhere honey" he soothed. …………………………….

Sheridan was starting to feel faint in Luis’ arms. She didn’t know if it was from shock or happiness, but she knew that she felt weak. Only when she started going limp in Luis’ arms did she feel that something more was wrong. She had been so raptured to be in Luis’ arms again, that she didn’t notice that she was shivering all over. ………………………………

"Sheridan….Sheridan….come on wake up" Luis was saying. He was kneeling beside where she was laying on a hospital bed. When Luis had felt Sheridan faint he was worried about her. He knew that she must be exhausted. He didn’t know the details of what had happened to her, but he knew that it must have been terrible, considering the way she had broken down in his arms. So he had taken her to the hospital. "Luis…" she started groggily. "What…where am I?"

"You are at the hospital. How are you feeling?" Luis took her hand. "Better now that you are here." She smiled and tried to lift her head. But when she did, she became dizzy. Luis placed his hand gently under her head and laid it back down on the pillow. "Don’t try to move honey… you are exhausted." He sat down and took her hand again.

He brought it up to her lips and kissed her palm softly. "Try to get some sleep Sheridan." Luis took his hand and stroked her hair rhythmically. Soon the soft action made Sheridan sleepy and she closed her eyes. She felt Luis shift in his chair, and her eyes shot open. "You’re not going anywhere are you?" She asked, her eyes wide. "No Sheridan – I’m going to stay right here with you." Sheridan closed her eyes and said "Good, cause I feel safe when you are near me." "I love you Sheridan." Luis added, but Sheridan had already gone to sleep.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 21:

"Luis, where am I going to go? I can’t go home! What if Henry tries to follow me?" Sheridan had just been released from hospital after a few nights of rest in there. "What! Henry did this to you! Why didn’t you tell me? I’m going to kill the bastard!" Luis fumed. "No Luis, don’t do anything that you’ll regret! It’s okay. I’m OK now – that I am with you!" Sheridan stepped closer to Luis and put her arms around him. "I feel safe when I am with you!" Luis tightened his grasp on Sheridan and prayed that everything would be all right now that they had found each other again. "You can stay at my house Sheridan" Luis smiled. "I’m sure Mama would love to have you!" "Are you sure Pilar wouldn’t mind?" Sheridan asked quietly. "No – please stay with me Sheridan?" "Okay – but first I have something to tell you. Until you hear this I want you to take me to Ethan’s apartment. You may not want me staying with you after I tell you this!" Luis stopped again and squeezed Sheridan’s hand. "Nothing that you could tell me could stop me from loving you!" I hope that’s true Luis! Because I don’t know what I would do without you! After I tell you about that night you might never forgive me! But I have to tell you! Because I love you! ………………………………..

"You killed my father Sheridan?" Sheridan could see the hurt in Luis’ eyes. She hated seeing him this way. "I don’t know what to say Luis! I don’t remember killing anyone. All I can remember is that I picked up a letter opener and the next thing I know is that I was standing over a dead body with blood on my hands. Father always said that it was just a dream… but Luis that was the night you’re father disappeared. The next day I was shipped off to Paris…." Sheridan’s voice cracked, and she stepped closer to Luis, trying to force him to look into her eyes. She took his hand. "You don’t know how much I have wanted to tell you this Luis, but I was afraid to. I thought that I would lose you. Please forgive me…. I’m so…" She didn’t finish. Luis put his hand up to stop her. "Don’t Sheridan…" he said softly. "I don’t know what to think. I don’t know if I can get past this… I need to walk for a while. I’ll come back when I’m ready to talk about this…" He pulled his hand from out of Sheridan’s tight grip and walked towards the door. He looked at Sheridan sorrowfully as he walked out.

Sheridan collapsed on the floor and cried with all the strength that she had left. I’ve lost Luis for good! He’s never going to forgive me! What am I going to do now? Sheridan could not even contemplate a life without Luis. She didn’t know how she would ever live without him. She was broken- hearted. Nobody could fix this up now. She would never love anyone else if she couldn’t have Luis. That’s how Ethan found Sheridan when he got home. She was curled up in a ball on the floor, staring into space. "Sheridan, what’s wrong?" he asked concernedly, as he sat down beside her. Sheridan proceeded to tell Ethan all about what had been happening since she had last seen him, which had been before she had gotten amnesia. "Oh my goodness Sheridan…I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you. Father didn’t tell me that you were alive until a week ago – and then he threatened to hurt you if I warned you about him…"

"Don’t worry about it Ethan… My life is over now anyway… Luis is never going to forgive me…" "Sheridan…Luis loves you. He just needed some time to think about it. Why don’t you go and talk to him?" "You think I should?" Sheridan started to cheer up. She still didn’t know what Luis would do. "Yeah – I’ll take you to Luis’ house and wait outside." "Thanks Ethan." Sheridan washed her face and grabbed her coat. "Lets go." …………………………………. When Sheridan reached Luis’ house she knocked on the door. There was no answer, so she turned the handle. To her surprise it opened, and she cautiously walked in. "Luis…" she called, but there was no answer. Just as she was about to walk back outside, Sheridan heard voices coming from the garden. She ran over to the door to tell Luis that she was here, but she stopped when she heard her name mentioned.

"Sam, I’ve gone over and over it in my head. How could Sheridan be a murderer? She has such a beautiful heart… or so I thought. I would never have thought that Sheridan could be capable of this!" "Luis, buddy. There is no evidence to say that Sheridan is or isn’t guilty of murdering your father." "But Sheridan said she thinks she did it. How can I get past that? How can I look at her again? When I looked into Sheridan's eyes I always saw such innocence – sometimes even naively. I love that about her. I’m scared to think about what I’d see now!" "Luis, come on. That’s just being silly. If Sheridan did kill someone… she was 12 years old. Maybe she was scared of something. I’m sure it wasn’t done on purpose." "Yeah I know Sam. I still don’t think that my Sheridan is capable of murder. I’m sure Julian and Alistar are behind this somehow!" "What are you going to do about Sheridan?" Sam patted Luis on the back.

"I don’t think I’ll ever forgive…" Tears came to Sheridan’s eyes when she heard the tone of utter hatred in Luis’ voice. She ran as fast as she could out to the car where Ethan was waiting for her. "Sheridan, what happened?" "Luis will never love me again. Lets go Ethan." …………………………………….. "I don’t think I’ll ever forgive Julian and Alistar for what Sheridan must have gone through. They told her that it didn’t happen.

She has been traumatized by nightmares about it since that night. I don’t believe that Sheridan ever killed anyone. I do think that she was there though, and she saw something that the Cranes want her to forget. And so she has believed that she killed someone for all these years, just because those bastards are liars and scoundrels." "I don’t believe it either Luis. I think you should go and tell Sheridan. She must be very upset right now." "Yeah I have to talk to her – I have to say I’m sorry!" With that Luis walked out of the house and headed towards Ethan’s place.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 22:

“Sheridan please think about this? Don’t run away from Harmony.” Ethan was begging his Aunt. “Ethan, I have no other choice. I can’t stay here! It would be too painful for Luis… If we ever saw each other… he would think about how I caused his father’s death… and… and…” Sheridan collapsed on the lounge and covered her face with her hands. “…And it would be too painful for me… Every time I saw him, all I would see is hate in his eyes… and I couldn’t bear it Ethan… I just couldn’t!” “Luis would never hate you Sheridan. And there’s no proof that you killed his father. I don’t believe that you could ever hurt anyone. And if Luis can’t see that, then he doesn’t deserve you…” “Don’t say that Ethan… please don’t say that about Luis. He … he deserves so much better than me… he really does… I have to leave… Even if it’s just for a little while.” …………………………………….

Luis started running down the street. He had to get to Ethan's house. I have to tell Sheridan that I don’t believe it. I have to tell her that I love her! I have to ask her to be my wife, just like I planned on Christmas Eve. Luis felt in his pocket for the velvet box that he had put in his pocket this morning before he went to the hospital. He smiled as he imagined the look on Sheridan’s face when he gave it to her.

Suddenly from behind him, Luis heard a noise. He spun around, and his face met with a fist. Luis went sprawling to the ground… “What the…” he managed to get out as he tried to get up. But someone was on top of him, pinning him to the ground. “You thought you could steal my fiancee?” the man was saying. “Supercop thought that he could defy Henry Thorn, did he? Well I have news for you Luis… Sheridan will be mine, after I have disposed of you. Prepare to meet your maker Supercop.” Henry was holding a gun up to Luis’ head. Luis struggled to get up, but he was at a disadvantage. His hands were pinned to the ground, and his head was aching from the blow he had received earlier.

“Never… you will never have Sheridan. She would never be with you!” “That’s what you think Luis… Sheridan will be mine, no matter what I have to do. She will either come willingly or I will force her to come…. Hahaha. Say goodbye Luis!” As quick as a shot Luis jumped up and tried to grab the gun from Henry’s grasp. A deafening bang filled the air. Luis and Henry stopped struggling and looked into each other’s eyes. Henry released his grip on Luis, and Luis slowly slid to the ground. Blood was covering his stomach. As he fell, he could see Sheridan, he could see her beautiful smile…

………………. Luis’ Vision…………………….. “Sheridan, I have been waiting so long for this day… I always wanted to make you my wife and now here we are… on our wedding night. We have overcome so many obstacles to get here… but we are finally here. I’m never going to let you go Sheridan… Never!” Luis looked at his wife and smiled. “I love you Luis! I always will” Sheridan smiled back at her husband. As Luis fell, he was softly murmuring “Never… Sheridan…. Never….” That was his last conscious thought as his head pounded against the pavement.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 23:

"Sheridan, you ready to go?" Ethan called to his aunt. They were at the cottage, packing some of Sheridan’s things. Ethan was half-watching the television, and half – helping Sheridan pack. "You sure you want to do this Sheridan? At least speak to Luis!" Ethan pleaded. "Luis will never want to speak to me again Ethan, and as much as it hurts, I have to move on. I have to leave!" "But I’ll miss you!" "And I’ll miss you Ethan, but we’ll survive. I’ll keep in touch, OK?" "You promise?" "Yeah I promise." Ethan held out his pinkie and Sheridan took it in her own. "Just like when we were kids!" "OK lets go Ethan" Sheridan said as she started to pick up her bags. "OK I’ll just turn off the TV. Where’s the damn remote?" Ethan searched around the chair for the remote. When he found it, he started to turn the TV off.

"Oh my god Ethan, it’s Luis…" Sheridan started. "I have to get to him… I have to go!" Sheridan ran out the door and took off in her car, leaving a confused Ethan staring after her. Ethan looked at the TV and turned up the sound, which was now blaring with headlines: Local Harmony Police Department reports that the officer is in bad shape, but they are all praying for the Detective’s recovery. Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald has been taken to Harmony’s local hospital. Family and friends have yet to be notified. --------------------------------

Sheridan rushed into the hospital to see Pilar, Theresa and Miguel holding on to one another for support. Sam stood holding Pilar’s hand. When Theresa saw Sheridan she stood up. "Sheridan…" she whispered and put her arms around Sheridan. "Luis… Is he OK?" When Theresa didn’t answer, Sheridan pulled away to look at her face, which was streaming with tears. "Oh God, he’s not…he can’t be…" Sheridan couldn’t bring herself to say it. She knew that it would all be her fault if Luis was dead. If it weren’t for me killing his father, none of this would have happened! Sheridan thought to herself, tears coursing down her white cheeks. "Shhh… Sheridan… Luis is not dead… The doctor’s are working on him now" Pilar stood up, when she saw the state Sheridan was in. She led Sheridan over to sit down on the chair, and put her arm around her. "We just have to wait!" ……………………………….

When Eve walked into the waiting area three hours later, Pilar, Theresa and Miguel were all sleeping. Sheridan was staring into space, tears running down her face. She could not sleep, not when Luis was in the operating room – not until she knew that he was going to be OK! As soon as Eve came in, Sheridan pulled out of Pilar’s arm and stood up, dreading what Eve would tell her. She rushed to Eve, who had a grave look on her face. "Eve…" Sheridan managed. "Eve … Luis… is he… Just tell me … is he…" Eve took Sheridan’s shaking hand. "Sheridan… Luis is alive… But I am not going to lie to you; he is in a very fragile state. We removed the bullet from his stomach and tried to repair the damage." "So he’s OK?" Sheridan breathed a sigh of relief. "Sheridan, Luis is in a coma… He may never come out of it… I’m sorry!"

"Noooooo! Luis has to be OK. He just has to. If he dies it will be all my fault!" "Sheridan don’t say things like that. You couldn’t have known about Henry! You couldn’t have known that he would come after Luis…" Eve was cut off by Sheridan. "Henry… he did this to Luis? Oh my God…" Sheridan tried to take it in. She had no idea that Henry was behind this. As she felt herself grow dizzy, she held onto Eve for support. "Can I go and see him… Luis… I have to be with him…" Sheridan started walking absentmindedly away. She had to find Luis. She had to make sure that he was going to be OK! "OF course you can, honey!" Eve pulled Sheridan’s arm. "It’s this way…" Eve led Sheridan to Luis’ room.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 24:

Sheridan walked into Luis’ room and gasped when she saw him. He was hooked up to machines everywhere. His face was white and a huge bandage covered his stomach. Sheridan stopped at the door. After all, Luis didn’t want to know her anymore! What if he is mad at me when he wakes up…? If he wakes up! I don’t care! I have to stay with him… Just until I know he is going to be OK! Sheridan walked slowly into the room, and pulled the chair close to Luis’ bed. She took his hand and pressed it close to her tear-stained face. "Oh God Luis, I’m so sorry! You’ll never know how sorry I am for all the pain I caused you! I should have kept my distance! I shouldn’t have let you fall in love with me, knowing that I might have killed your father. I’m sorry that I was so selfish. I hope that one day you can forgive me. I don’t think that I could live my life knowing that I have hurt you… knowing that…" Sheridan sobbed, big tears falling onto Luis’ cold hand. "Knowing that I can never have you…" ……………………………….

"Sheridan, how are you feeling?" Pilar asked as she walked into Luis’ room and found her sitting beside him – like she had been for the past two weeks. When Sheridan didn’t answer she walked over to Luis’ bedside and placed her hand on Sheridan’s shoulder. "Sheridan…" "OH hi Pilar! I didn’t see you there!" "I know Sheridan – you know, you don’t have to stay here all the time. I can stay with Luis if you want to go home and get some rest." Pilar offered. "NO!" Sheridan said, much too quickly… and loudly. Then her tone softened. "Pilar… I can’t leave him, I need to be here with him… please just let me stay!" She pleaded, tears filling her eyes. "Of course you can stay Sheridan, but you have to look after yourself. You have hardly eaten since Luis came in here – you haven’t been home once – you have hardly slept! Sheridan the last thing we need right now is you collapsing as well." Pilar rubbed Sheridan’s shoulders.

"I…I…I just can’t leave him Pilar! Not until he is going to be OK!" Sheridan turned back to Luis and gazed at his still sleeping body. "He looks so peaceful… But so…" Sheridan couldn’t find the words. "…Unlike Luis" Pilar offered. "Like this he can’t fight with you. You guys are famous for your fights. He’s not the Luis we love." "No he’s not. I’ll probably never see that Luis ever again." Sheridan said quietly as tears filled her eyes for the millionth time. "Sheridan don’t say that! Luis will wake up! We have to have faith in that!" Pilar said, misunderstanding the real reason for Sheridan’s comment.

"Oh Pilar… That’s not what I… I mean… Never mind!" Sheridan lifted Luis’ hand to her cheek and held it there. "You really love him, don’t you Sheridan?" Pilar asked, touched at what she saw – at the love she could see in Sheridan’s eyes. "Yes I do Pilar. I love Luis so much! I wish that things could have been different!" Sheridan sighed. "You are just tired! I’ll go get you something to eat." Pilar squeezed Sheridan’s shoulder as she made her way to the door. "But Pilar…I’m not…" Sheridan started, but Pilar had already gone down the hallway. …………………………………..

Sheridan was left with her own thoughts! If only Pilar knew what I had done, she wouldn’t be treating me so kindly! If only I had someone to talk to… to cry to… about Luis… about how we can never be together! I can’t tell Pilar… She would hate me… "What am I going to do without you Luis?" she cried aloud, still holding his limp hand in her own. She didn’t even notice when Pilar brought her in a plate of food… nor did she notice her take it away two hours later, shaking her head as she did so. "Oh Mama – it’s so romantic. Sheridan hasn’t left Luis’ bedside since he came in here." Theresa sighed, smiling.

"Theresa, Sheridan is going to kill herself if she doesn’t snap out of it soon. I agree that she loves Luis very much… maybe too much…" Pilar said gently. "Mama how can you say that? Would you rather Sheridan and Luis to have lived their lives without that kind of love? I have never seen such love...""Theresa protested. "Me either Theresa… but if love causes people to stop eating… to slowly kill themselves… then I don’t agree with you… what if Luis doesn’t… I mean if he doesn’t… what will happen to Sheridan then?" Pilar choked back her tears. "Mama, Luis will be OK – Don’t worry!" …………………………………..

"Sheridan… Sheridan… it’s time for Luis’ medication." "Oh Eve… yes of course it is! I’ll be right outside! Is there anything I can do to help?" Sheridan asked, reluctantly letting Luis’ hand go. "Yes Sheridan… go and get something to eat. You are looking very pale and haven’t eaten anything substantial in days." Sheridan looked sadly at Eve and walked out of the room. She stopped outside the door and watched as Eve checked Luis over. "Well, is he OK?" she asked when Eve came out the door. "There are no signs of him waking up yet Sheridan! The longer Luis stays in a coma… the less his chances of waking up." Two tears fell down Sheridan’s face. "I know Eve. I just pray he will wake up soon." "Me too – you try to get some rest – OK?"

"OK" Sheridan nodded. But she didn’t know what good trying would do. She hadn’t been able to sleep since Luis was brought into the hospital. Why would tonight be any different? She thought sadly. Sheridan walked in and sat by Luis in her usual spot, again taking his hand in hers. "Luis…" she pleaded. "Luis I know you don’t ever want to see me again… But I also know that you love me… or at least you did! I want you to know that I will always love you no matter what! And if you have to put me in prison for what I have done… I don’t care! I will still love you! I know that I should pay for whatever I did that night! Wake up Luis… please wake up! I don’t care what happens to me… I couldn’t live without you anyway. I love you so much!"

Sheridan kissed Luis’ hand, his face, his lips as if for the last time. She cried violently as she buried her face in Luis’ chest. Suddenly she felt his hand move. She looked up in amazement. "Sheridan…" a groggy voice was saying. "Sheridan…I… I," Sheridan looked at Luis, who gazed into her eyes, but before he could finish he closed his eyes again. In an instant she was gone… "Luis… he’s awake…" called a breathless Sheridan to anyone who cared. And as everybody rushed into Luis’ room, Sheridan silently slipped away… vowing never to return and hurt Luis again.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 25:

“Sheridan… Sheridan…” Luis was calling as he tossed and turned in his sleep. Suddenly he woke up and saw his family standing over him. “Sheridan?” he asked in a parched voice. “Where is she?… She was here… I know she was. Mama, where is Sheridan?” “I don’t know Luis… I’m sure she hasn’t gone very far. She will be back soon.” “But Mama… you don’t understand. I have to find her… I have to tell her that I love her… please go and find her… please bring her back.” Luis tried to raise himself up, but fell down onto the bed with the effort. “I’ll go Luis, just stay in bed” Theresa told her brother, and she walked out to find Sheridan. ………………………………….

“Ethan, hi, it’s Theresa. I’m looking for Sheridan! Have you seen her? Luis really wants to see her!” “Theresa – why does he want to see her?” “I don’t know – but he sounded kind of desperate! Is she there?” “No Theresa, she’s not! Sheridan has gone away for a while! I don’t know when she will be back! Look I gotta go… sorry I couldn’t help you” …………………………………..

“Luis, don’t worry… Theresa is ringing Ethan now. Sheridan will be here before you know it!” Pilar was reassuring her son. Luis was becoming more restless by the second. He knew that Sheridan must have been so upset by the way he just walked out on her that day. He hadn’t had a chance to apologize, to tell her that it didn’t matter, that he didn’t believe that she could do something like that. What if Sheridan thought… what if she thought that he didn’t love her… what if he never saw her again? Luis’ mind was racing as he thought about Sheridan’s absence from the hospital. When he saw Theresa walk in, he looked at her expectantly, a brilliant smile lighting up his face.

“Is she coming Theresa… Is Sheridan coming?” he asked, but knew the answer when he saw her face. “She’s not coming is she?” Luis’s face fell and he turned white. His worst fears had just become reality. “Sheridan has gone away, Luis! I am so sorry.” Theresa said softly. “But Luis, I don’t understand. Sheridan was here every day sitting beside you. She hardly ate, she didn’t sleep and she didn’t leave the room for more than five minutes the whole time you were here. She loves you… I know she does!” Pilar exclaimed. “Sheridan thinks that I don’t love her anymore,” Luis clenched his fist as he said it. “She is heartbroken!”

“Why Luis, what happened between you? What did you do to her?” Theresa asked. “Theresa, it’s a long story! I gotta get out of here! When did Eve say I could leave? I gotta find her!” “Whoa Luis… You are not going anywhere for at least a week” Eve said, walking in and hearing the last part of the conversation. “Luis, you were shot three weeks ago, and you have been in a coma for three weeks. You have to rest!” “But I gotta go and find Sheridan. I need to tell her…” Luis tied to get up from his bed, but was too weak to move very far.

“Luis… Eve is right! You aren’t going to do yourself or Sheridan any good in the state that you are in now! She will still be there in a week. You can plan out what you are going to do this week while you are resting.” Pilar said. “Well, it’s not like I have much choice do I? I just hope she forgives me when I see her!” Luis closed his eyes and dreamt of Sheridan. Chapter 26 “Miss Crane, how nice to see you again! Would you like me to prepare a room for you?” “Yes, thankyou Kristie!” Sheridan answered. “How long will you be staying at the motel, Miss Crane?”

“I’m not exactly sure. I just needed to get away for a while!” Sheridan tried her best to smile at Kristie, even though her face was red and blotchy from crying. “Yes I understand, Miss Crane! Your room will be ready in five minutes” “Thankyou… oh and Kristie, please don’t let anyone know that I am here! Especially not anyone from my family!” “Certainly, Miss Crane.” “Thankyou… and please call me Sheridan.” ………………………………………….

“Sam, I’m telling you! You have to catch that son-of-a-bitch! For what he did to us, for what he did to Sheridan…” Luis was on the phone to Sam. “Don’t forget what he did to you Luis!” Sam added. “He hurt Sheridan so badly Sam. Did you see the state she was in after the wedding? Henry Thorn must be caught - he must be punished. He even threatened to take her by force after I was gone and couldn’t protect her. That was right before he shot me!” Luis’ thoughts drifted back to Sheridan. She was never far from his mind. He wondered where she was now, he anticipated the time when he would be released from hospital, when he could find her. That was only two days from now. But the days passed so much longer since he had woken up in hospital. Because he didn’t have Sheridan beside him! …………………………………….

“Don’t worry Mr. Crane. Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald won’t be a problem for much longer. He is in a coma and his prospects are bad. Sheridan will be out of the way after I take her off your hands. She’ll never be a problem for you again." “She’d better not be Henry… Sheridan has been nothing but a thorn in my side for far too long.” Henry chuckled at the pun. “Mr Crane… Sheridan will not be a problem. I will see to that!” “Good… Henry… hold on… I have another call…” “OK” Henry thought about Sheridan, and how he would love to get a piece of her. She filled his every thought… like a forbidden fruit that he just had to taste. Henry knew that Sheridan Crane was way out of reach for him… he knew that she would never love him… but he wanted to see her at his mercy. He would enjoy making such a strong character bow to his every will.

“Thorn, you still there?” Alistar called in a stern voice, which woke Henry from his daydream. “Yes Mr Crane… Nothing’s wrong… I trust?” “Well you trust wrong. Luis is awake… he is going to be fine... you stuffed up!” “But how can that be. Don’t worry Mr Crane, I’ll finish the job!” “Just make sure you do it tonight!” “Yes sir!” Henry stopped, when he heard sirens wailing in the distance. He looked out the window and saw police cars in every direction, encircling his hideout. He made a run for the exit, but was stopped by the barricade.

“Put your hands ion the air, where I can see them,” an officer was announcing over the loudspeaker. Henry placed his hands in the air, and was grabbed by three officers, cuffed and put into the car. Sam leant over close to Henry and whispered “You are going to be put away for a very long time, Mr Thorn.”

To Be Continued…

Chapter 27:

“Miss Crane… Are you all right?” Kristie asked when she saw Sheridan staring into space. This was the hundredth time since Sheridan arrived at the hotel that she had been sitting on the seat outside, looking into the water with a blank look on her face. “Oh Kristie… don’t worry about me. I just have some things to work through, that’s all!” “But Miss Crane, you look so sad… you haven’t eaten in days. Do you want me to bring you something out?” “No thanks Kristie, I am not really hungry. I just need to be alone right now, please?” Sheridan implored. “OK Miss Crane… But I’ll be here if you need me… for anything.” Kristie looked at Sheridan and nodded towards the photo that Sheridan was holding. She knew that Sheridan’s tears were for the man in the photo. “Thankyou Kristie.”

After Kristie had left Sheridan went back to staring at the photo of her and Luis, dreaming of what the future could have held for her and Luis… if only that dreaded night had never happened. Her thoughts wandered back to Luis and the last time she saw him. I wonder if he is OK! Maybe I should call home and find out! NO, I can’t! I would just be hurting Luis, by reminding him of what I might have done to his father. Sheridan just forget Luis… you are destined never to be happy! Sheridan felt her eyes fill with tears. Oh, when will the tears ever stop? I really have nothing to live for. Maybe I should just put an end to my miserable life once and for all! Sheridan sat there, contemplating suicide, as she imagined a future without her love. ……………………………….

“Can I help you Sir?” “Yes, I am looking for Sheridan Crane. Is she here?” Luis asked Kristie. “Actually I cannot say… I’m sorry!” Kristie remembered Sheridan’s wish, not to let anyone know that she was there. “Look Miss… Kristie is it? Sheridan needs me right now! I need to know where she is… please can you help me? Everything that happened between us was a misunderstanding” Luis pleaded. Kristie recognized Luis from the photo that Sheridan had been holding. She liked the look of this man and decided to trust him. “OK, yes, she is sitting outside. Perhaps you can cheer Miss Crane up. She is very unwell at the moment. All she does is sits and stares into the water.” “Thanks. I’ll see what I can do!” Luis flashed her one of his brilliant smiles. Luis went outside and searched for Sheridan. He saw her as she sat, curled up into a tight ball, her cheeks stained with tears, her hair unbrushed, and her face very pale.

But otherwise she looked impeccable. Even without trying, she always managed to look beautiful, Luis thought as he gazed at her. He noticed that she looked deathly pale and very thin, and he was worried about her. He walked up close beside her, and expected her to notice him, but she continued staring ahead of her. Luis touched her hand, ever so gently and felt her start at his touch. Sheridan spun her head around, and her eyes filled with wonder when she saw Luis standing there. “Luis… why are you here?” she asked quietly.

“Perhaps I should ask you why you are here Sheridan. And why did you leave the hospital?” Luis looked into her eyes, searching for answers. Sheridan looked away. “Luis… I know what you think of me! That’s why I left. I wanted to make sure that you were all right, but I knew that you wouldn’t want to see me. So I went!” Sheridan explained. “Why wouldn’t I want to see you? I came here because I have something to tell you…” Sheridan cut him off.

“Luis… I know what you are going to say, OK? I heard you talking to Sam. You didn’t have to come all the way out here to let me down easily. Believe me, it would have been alot easier if you had just left me alone…” Sheridan was crying now. “Sheridan if you heard me speaking to Sam, what’s the problem. You didn’t need to leave Harmony.” Luis was genuinely confused. “Luis, do you really think that I could have stayed in Harmony, knowing that the man I love, hates me?” “Hate you… why do you think I hate you Sheridan?” Luis asked. “What exactly did you hear?”

“Please Luis… why are you putting me through this? Please just leave me alone, and let me wallow in my misery in peace.” Sheridan looked away again. “Sheridan… I am not leaving until you tell me what you heard” Luis told her firmly. He reached over to touch her face, but she pulled away, mainly because she was scared of how she would feel if Luis touched her. “I heard you say that you would never forgive me.” Sheridan stated, pained at the memory of it. “Now are you happy?” Sheridan’s voice cracked and she started sobbing. “But I didn’t say that… are you sure you heard me say that I would never forgive you?” “After you said that… I left… I couldn’t bear to hear you say my name.”

Luis laughed. He realized now what had happened. “Look at me Sheridan?” he asked quietly. And when Sheridan didn’t look up he said more firmly, “Sheridan, please look at me.” Then he gently reached for her face and lifted her chin up so that she would look into his eyes. “Sheridan… I could never hate you… never! You hear me? I love you so much. I always will.” “What?… I don’t understand Luis…” “You heard me say that I would never forgive someone, right?” Sheridan nodded, unsure of where this was going. “But you didn’t hear me say who I’d never forgive, did you?” Sheridan thought back to that day.

And then it occurred to her, she had left before she heard Luis say the name of the person he would never forgive. “I didn’t say you’re name Sheridan. You left before you heard the names of the people I would never forgive.” Luis’ eyes were dancing. “Well who were they Luis?” Sheridan asked. “Julian and Alistar.. for making your life so miserable. And for making you believe that you did something that someone with a heart as beautiful as yours could never do.” Luis looked at Sheridan, whose face had just become completely alight with joy and happiness. Her beautiful blue eyes were sparkling and Luis was bewitched by her beauty. “Then… then you forgive me?” Sheridan asked in amazement.

“There’s nothing to forgive Sheridan. I acted like a complete jerk, running out on you that day. That was when you needed me the most, and I deserted you! I am so sorry!” Luis looked into Sheridan’s eyes searching for forgiveness. “It wasn’t you’re fault Luis. Oh my darling… I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there in hospital when you woke up. I love you so much.” Sheridan laughed softly, when Luis placed his arm around her and brought her closer towards him. She felt electricity at his touch. “At least everything is perfect now.” Luis replied, before moving in slowly. His lips had barely brushed hers when his cell-phone rang.

“I’ll ignore it” he breathed softly into Sheridan’s mouth. “Answer it, it could be important!” Sheridan pulled away from Luis, who then pulled out his phone. “Hello… Sam, this’d better be good buddy…” he looked at Sheridan who was smiling. “Luis, Henry has been caught. He is in jail… just thought you’d like to know…” “Thanks Sam... that’s great news.” “How is Sheridan going? You found her right?” “Yeah I found her… Sheridan is fine, now! We both are!” Luis winked at Sheridan, and took her hand in his. “OK, I’ll leave you to it then. See you soon!” “Bye Sam. Thanks again.” Luis brought Sheridan’s hand to his lips and kissed her palm tenderly. “Now where were we Miss Crane?” he joked.

“Right here Officer” she answered, as she pressed her lips up to his, for a heart-stopping kiss. When they pulled away, both were breathless, and Luis noticed that Sheridan looked very tired. “You need some sleep, my love! I am going to take you up to bed now.” “But Luis…” she protested. “No arguments Miss Crane!” Luis scooped Sheridan up into his arms and carried her up to her room. He placed her on the bed and she fell asleep almost instantly. Luis stood over her for a few minutes and stroked her beautiful hair, thanking god that he had won Sheridan’s love. Then he crawled into bed beside her and felt her instantly snuggle up beside him.

Chapter 28:

Luis woke to find Sheridan’s head resting on his chest. She was breathing heavily and smiling in her sleep. “Luis…” she muttered. “Luis… I love you…” Luis smiled and kissed her forehead gently. Sheridan slowly opened her eyes and saw Luis staring intently at her. “Morning Miss Crane!” Luis looked at her mischievously. “Morning to you too officer! What are you smiling about?” “It’s detective to you…” Luis smiled. “Sorry detective…” Luis cut her of. “Miss Crane, did you know that you talk in your sleep?” Sheridan’s eyes widened when he said that. “Oh no, what did I say Luis?” “Don’t look so horrified. I’ll give you a clue…” Luis leant down and whispered in her ear. “I love you too…” Luis laughed softly.

“Oh Luis… is that all? You know I love you already… For a minute there I thought that I must have told you that I had an affair with your brother…” Sheridan bounced up out of bed and started running. “Oh my goodness Sheridan! I thought that you were serious for a second.” Luis took off after her, out into the snow. He could see her laughing up ahead of him. “I’m gonna get you for that Crane…” “Only if you can catch me first, Detective…” Luis caught up to her and grabbed her by the waist. He tackled her into the snow and pinned her to the ground. “See, I got you… now… let me see… what am I going to do with you?” With that Luis picked up a handful of snow and held it above her face. Sheridan squealed. “No Luis… you wouldn’t dare…”

Then Luis brought the snow down onto her face and rubbed it around. Sheridan was laughing and screaming at the same time. She picked up a handful of snow and did the same thing to Luis. “Now madam!” Luis said sternly. “That’s enough of those childish games!” “Yes detective!” Luis stared into Sheridan's eyes and felt himself drawn towards her. He kissed her softly on the lips and then more passionately. When they broke apart Luis pulled Sheridan to her feet and took her back into the motel. “Sheridan, I have some things to do today… I’ll be back at 5.30 PM. I’m going to take you out for dinner.”

“Oh Luis… why are you going? Can’t you stay here with me? I can think of some great indoor activities that we could do…” Sheridan suggested seductively. “As much I would love that Sher… I really have to go… I’m sorry!” Sheridan pouted at him. “Well tonight had better be good then!” “It will be, don’t worry!” Luis pulled Sheridan in for a kiss, and then he left.

To Be Continued…

Chapter 28:

Luis woke to find Sheridan’s head resting on his chest. She was breathing heavily and smiling in her sleep. “Luis…” she muttered. “Luis… I love you…” Luis smiled and kissed her forehead gently. Sheridan slowly opened her eyes and saw Luis staring intently at her. “Morning Miss Crane!” Luis looked at her mischievously. “Morning to you too officer! What are you smiling about?” “It’s detective to you…” Luis smiled. “Sorry detective…” Luis cut her of. “Miss Crane, did you know that you talk in your sleep?” Sheridan’s eyes widened when he said that. “Oh no, what did I say Luis?” “Don’t look so horrified. I’ll give you a clue…” Luis leant down and whispered in her ear. “I love you too…” Luis laughed softly.

“Oh Luis… is that all? You know I love you already… For a minute there I thought that I must have told you that I had an affair with your brother…” Sheridan bounced up out of bed and started running. “Oh my goodness Sheridan! I thought that you were serious for a second.” Luis took off after her, out into the snow. He could see her laughing up ahead of him. “I’m gonna get you for that Crane…” “Only if you can catch me first, Detective…” Luis caught up to her and grabbed her by the waist. He tackled her into the snow and pinned her to the ground. “See, I got you… now… let me see… what am I going to do with you?” With that Luis picked up a handful of snow and held it above her face. Sheridan squealed. “No Luis… you wouldn’t dare…”

Then Luis brought the snow down onto her face and rubbed it around. Sheridan was laughing and screaming at the same time. She picked up a handful of snow and did the same thing to Luis. “Now madam!” Luis said sternly. “That’s enough of those childish games!” “Yes detective!” Luis stared into Sheridan's eyes and felt himself drawn towards her. He kissed her softly on the lips and then more passionately. When they broke apart Luis pulled Sheridan to her feet and took her back into the motel. “Sheridan, I have some things to do today… I’ll be back at 5.30 PM. I’m going to take you out for dinner.” “Oh Luis… why are you going? Can’t you stay here with me? I can think of some great indoor activities that we could do…” Sheridan suggested seductively.

“As much I would love that Sher… I really have to go… I’m sorry!” Sheridan pouted at him. “Well tonight had better be good then!” “It will be, don’t worry!” Luis pulled Sheridan in for a kiss, and then he left. ………………………………………. It was 5.45pm. Sheridan had been dressed and ready for Luis since 5pm. She was beginning to get worried about him. Sheridan sat on the couch, tapping her foot impatiently. Then she stood up and walked over to the window. That’s where she was when Luis silently tiptoed through the door. When he saw her, his heart skipped a beat. Even though he could only see her back, he thought that she looked so beautiful.

Luis walked quietly up behind her and put his arms around her waist. Sheridan knew that it was him from the moment she felt his touch. She let herself relax into his embrace. “Isn’t it beautiful Luis?” she breathed, pointing up to the night sky. There were stars everywhere. The sky was filled with light, and the cool, crisp air was coming in through the open window. “Yeah it is…” But Luis wasn’t looking at the sky. He couldn’t take his eyes off the beautiful, relaxed look on Sheridan’s face. He brushed some hair from her eyes and said quietly, “It’s nice to see you looking so happy Sheridan. I haven’t seen you look so at peace for a long time… I don’t think I ever have!”

“Mmmnnn… I am happy Luis. You make me so happy!” Sheridan turned around in Luis’ arms and leant in close as if she was about to kiss him. But before their lips touched she pulled away. “BUT, you were late, Detective. I don’t know if I can forgive you for that…” Sheridan had a stern look on her face, even though inside, she was trying not to laugh. “Yes, I’m sorry about that Miss Crane… But I couldn’t help it…Shall we?” Luis held out his hand to Sheridan, who took it happily. When he stepped away from Sheridan, Luis saw how beautiful she looked tonight, and his eyes widened.

She had a sea-blue dress on, which was almost backless, and traveled down to her ankles. There was along split in the side, right up to her thigh. “Wow…” was all Luis could manage. “You look amazing!” Sheridan smiled. That was the effect that she had wanted. “You too Luis! Let’s go…” ……………………………………… “Luis, where are we going?” Sheridan asked after they had been driving for 30 minutes. “Sheridan, it’s a surprise!” Luis replied, smugly. “But… I hate surprises…” “You’ll love this one Sheridan!” Luis winked at her. “How do you know I will? What if I hate it?” “Look Sheridan, now you’re just being difficult! You are just going to have to wait!” “Fine Luis… whatever…” Sheridan faked anger. She tried to pull her hand out of Luis’, but he held it tighter. Their hands had been interlocked since they had gotten into the car. “Oh no you don’t Sheridan… I’m not letting you go that easily…” Luis pulled Sheridan’s hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly. ………………………………………

“We are here Sheridan!” Luis said, waking Sheridan from her trance. “Oh… well… it’s about time Luis!” Sheridan said laughing. Luis got out of the car and went around to open the door for Sheridan. He held out his hand and she took it. “You have to close your eyes…,” Luis was saying. “OK… they are closed.” Luis waved his hand in front of Sheridan's face, and wasn’t satisfied. He put his hands over her eyes. Then he told her to start walking. “Sheridan, you can open your eyes now” Luis told her, taking his hands from her eyes. Sheridan gasped at what she saw.

They were at a lookout – from the point Sheridan could see a valley, covered in green. Down the mountain across from where she was standing, a brilliant waterfall was flowing. Luis had set up a table for two in the gazebo on the lookout. A soft candlelight was creating a glow in the gazebo. “Oh Luis… it’s breathtaking…” Sheridan said, her eyes wide with wonder. “You’re breathtaking…” Luis replied, offering her his arm. “Shall we, M’lady?” “Thankyou M’lord…” Sheridan replied, taking his arm and letting him lead her to her chair. As soon as they sat down, music filled the air.

“Wow Luis… I can’t believe you did all this… for me…” Sheridan was amazed at the gentleness and kindness that Luis was showing her, even after all that had happened. “It’s because I love you Sheridan… I would do anything for you, you know that?” Luis said simply. “I love you too Luis…” Sheridan reached across and took Luis’ hand, tears filling her eyes. Luis stood up when he saw her tears and knelt down next to her. “Don’t cry Sheridan… I hate seeing you cry!” Luis wiped the tears from Sheridan’s eyes with his thumb. “I’m just happy Luis… you make me so happy… and I’ve never had that in my life…” “I know Sheridan… that’s why I plan on making you happy for the rest of my life.” “You do?” Sheridan looked inquisitively at Luis.

“Yes… I do!” Luis reached into his pocket and took out the ring that he had been carrying around since Christmas Eve. He held it out to her. “Sheridan… you make me so happy! I can’t imagine living my life without you… not even one day… I want to make the most of what time we have… heaven knows we have already wasted enough of it… I love you Sheridan Crane… will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” Sheridan was speechless. She opened her mouth but no words would come out. All she could do was look at Luis, with love in her eyes, and tears running down her cheeks. She threw herself into Luis’ arms with sudden urgency. “I love you so much Luis!” “So?” Luis asked, pulling away slightly.

“Of course I will marry you… I can’t even imagine life without you in it!” Luis pulled her fiercely into an embrace and brought his lips down to hers. They kissed passionately for what seemed like hours. Then Luis took Sheridan’s hand and slipped the ring on her finger, before bringing her hand up to his lips and kissing it. “It’s so beautiful Luis… exactly what I would have picked…” Sheridan held up her hand to look at it. “I knew you would like it. I spent ages looking for the perfect ring for you Sheridan. I knew that your ring had to be special… for a special person…”

Sheridan was glowing. Luis thought that she looked beautiful standing in the candlelight. He stood up and offered her his hand. “Sheridan, will you dance with me?” “Yes I will.” Sheridan stood up and took his hand. Sheridan rested her head on Luis’ chest and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her as close as humanly possible. Once in a while he would stroke her hair softly. They danced slowly for hours, neither one getting tired of holding the other. They knew that everything would be fine now that they had each other. Life would be perfect and they each felt safe in the other’s arms.

THE END