Stronger

Chapter 1: Betrayal

A young golden haired woman grabbed her cup of coffee. She was sitting down, reading the newspaper, waiting for a special person. This person was half an hour late, and she was getting pissed. He was NEVER late, she thought to herself. She picked up her cellphone and dialed his number. "Damn. No answer." She shrugged her shoulders and got up. "I'll stop by his house, maybe he's there." So she stood up and got into her silver Mercades. 10 minutes later, she pulled up into the driveway of his house. She knocked on the door, and a minute later, when no one answered, she tried the doorknob, and she opened the door. "Luis? Are you here?" There was no answer, so she went up the stairs just to make sure he wasn't there. She opened his door, and found a very shocking image. Luis was naked on his bed with Gwen licking his chest. Sheridan could not believe it. She stood there for a minute, and she turned and ran, running as fast as her legs could carry her. She ran out the door, past a confused Pilar, and ran to her car, and sped off, into the sunset, with Luis running right out, buck naked. Pilar gasped and shielded her eyes.

Sheridan was driving 30 mph over the speed limit, and she turned on her radio. "Hmm, yeah, yeah Baby, please try to forgive me Stay here don't put out the glow Hold me now don't bother If every minute it makes me weaker You can save me from the man that I've become, oh yeah Lookin' back on the things I've done I was tryin' to be someone I played my part And kept you in the dark Now let me show you the shape of my heart....." Sheridan looked at her radio in disgust. "What a crappy song! No wonder no one likes them." (lol, I HAD to put that in there) She flipped to a different radio station, 104.5 WSNX....

"Ooh hey, yeah
Hush, just stop
There’s nothing you can do or say, baby
I’ve had enough
I’m not your property as from today, baby
You might think that I won't make it on my own
But now I’m…

Stronger than yesterday
Now it’s nothing but my way
My lonliness ain’t killing me no more I’m stronger

That I ever thought that I could be, baby
I used to go with the flow
Didn’t really care ‘bout me
You might think that I can’t take it, but you’re wrong ‘Cause now I’m…

Stronger than yesterday
Now it’s nothing but my way
My lonliness ain’t killing me no more
I’m stronger

Come on, now
Oh, yeah
Here I go, on my own
I don’t need nobody, better off alone
Here I go, on my own now
I don’t need nobody, not anybody
Here I go, alright, here I go

Stronger than yesterday
Now it’s nothing but my way
My lonliness ain’t killing me no more
I’m stronger

Stronger than yesterday
Now it’s nothing but my way
My lonliness ain’t killing me no more
I’m stronger

Stronger than yesterday
Now it’s nothing but my way
My lonliness ain’t killing me no more
I’m stronger"

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2: A Decision

"And that was Britney Spears' latest hit, Stronger on Harmony's Hits, WSNX." Sheridan pulled into a McDonalds, and ordered a Caesar Salad McShaker. She ate it in her car, and she decided where she should go. "I have to get away from Harmony, away from Luis and Gwen?!?! Why would Luis want GWEN of all people??? I thought he loved me! God, I am such a damn fool! All men in my life have turned to be shmucks? I swear, if I meet another guy, I am never ever going to trust him. All men are evil!" She pounded her fist against the steering wheel and started to sob. "You know what, Sheridan? You have to get out of Harmony. Nothing is here for you.

Julian and Ivy don't give a damn, and ever since Ethan and Theresa got married, he hasn't talked to you since! Luis was the only one who I cared about, who I thought cared about me.....God!" Sheridan sighed and looked at the road ahead. "I have to move, far far away from Harmony and start anew. I'll do somewhere, somewhere big." Sheridan started to think. "New York? No, I hate baseball. Houston? Think of all the pollution! Detroit? Nevermind. What about...Chicago! Yeah! Chicago is perfect. I can rent an apartment on Lake Shore Drive overlooking Lake Michigan. I always wanted to live there. Chicago it is." Sheridan drove back to her cottage, to get her things. When she got there, she noticed her lights were on. She walked cautiously to her front door, and opened it quietly. She gasped, and entered and slammed the door. "What the hell are you doing here, Luis?"

"Sheridan, please let me explain." "Explain WHAT? You cheated on me, Luis. How do you think you can EXPLAIN that? Huh?" Luis sat down, and motioned for Sheridan to do the same. Sheridan stood. "Sheridan, Gwen was so grieved after Theresa and Ethan's wedding, and when I went home, she was sitting on my bed, sobbing. I have no idea how she got there, but she looked so helpless and sad. I hugged her, and then the next thing I knew, I was naked and she was licking me! Sheridan, I lo..." "Cut the crap, Luis. You are a lying bastard just like every damn guy I ever met! All the Jean Lucs, all the...." "Sheridan...." "No, Luis. I want you out of this door and out of my life!" "Sher...." "OUT! GET OUT!!!"

Luis looked shocked at Sheridan and stood up and left. Sheridan sighed, falling down on her big couch, and stared up at the ceiling. She got up, and got a bunch of suitcases, filled them up, and left her cottage. She hopped into her car and sped off, into the dark of night, with her radio playing:

"Hey hey
Bye bye bye

I'm doing this tonight
You're probably gonna start a fight
I know this can't be right
Hey baby, come on
I loved you endlessly
And you weren't there for me
So now it's time to leave and make it alone
I know that I can't take no more, it ain't no lie
I wanna see you ut that door, baby bye bye bye

Bye bye
Don't wanna be a fool for you
I'm just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain't no lie baby bye bye bye
Bye bye
Don't really wanna make it tough
I just wanna tell you that I've had enough
Might sound crazy but it ain't no lie
Baby bye bye bye

You just hit me with the truth
Now, girl you're more than welcome to
So give me one good reason
Baby come on
I lived for you and me
And now I really come to see
That life would be much better once you're gone
I know that I can't take no more, it ain't no lie
I wanna see you out that door, baby bye bye bye

Bye bye
Don't wanna be a fool for you
I'm just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain't no lie baby bye bye bye
Bye bye
Don't really wanna make it tough
I just wanna tell you that I've had enough
Might sound crazy but it ain't no lie
Baby bye bye bye

I've given up I know for sure
I don't wanna be the loser for your love no more
I'm checking out, I'm signing off
I don't wanna be loser and I've had enough
I don't wanna be your fool in this game for two
So I'm leaving you behind

Bye bye bye
(I don't wanna make it tough, but I've had enough)
(It ain't no lie, bye bye)

Bye bye
Don't wanna be a fool for you
I'm just another player in your game for two
You may hate me but it ain't no lie baby bye bye bye
Bye bye
Don't really wanna make it tough
I just wanna tell you that I've had enough
Might sound crazy but it ain't no lie
Baby bye bye bye"

To Be Continued...

NEXT TIME ON STRONGER: Sheridan arrives in Chicago and begins her new life without Luis. How will she deal?

Chapter 3:

"Welcome to Chicago," a sign with big bold black letters read on a large green sign. Sheridan smiled. "I'm finally here." She paid the skyway toll and got off of the Stony Island Ave. exit. She drove past the Field Museum, Soldier Field, and passed Navy Pier. She got onto Michigan Avenue, one of the biggest streets in Chicago, and parked in the Water Tower Place parking lot. She got out of her car and rode the elevator up to the top floor, and went into California Pizza Kitchen.

She ordered herself a large coke and a regular cheese pizza. She sighed, picked up her phone, and called a hotel. "Hello, do you have any available rooms for tonight? Great, no, just one person. Thanks, bye." She hung up the phone and ate her pizza. After she ate, she got in her car and went to her hotel, the Omni, and paid for her room, and settled down. It was already 11:00 at night, so she figured she should go to sleep.

The next morning, Sheridan rose, and she got ready, and went to get a newspaper. She walked to a little cafe, and she sat down. She looked at the listings for apartments, and she saw a perfect place.

Beautiful Lake Shore Drive Apartment-
4 bedroom, 4 bath apartment overlooking Lake Michigan in penthouse apartment. Beautifully furnished, but expensive. 3 roommates looking for another roommate. Call 455-3102. (Carrie Barcheski, Heath Clarkston, and Steve Holliman-owners)

Sheridan smiled. This place was perfect, and she wouldn't mind having roommates to talk with. She thought it was absolutely wonderful, and she dialed the number. "Hello?" "Um, hi. My name's Sheridan Crane, and I'm calling about the apartment?" "Oh great! My name's Steve, and you're just in luck! We put out the ad yesterday, and so far no one has grabbed it up. You can stop by any time you want to see the apartment." Sheridan beamed. "Great! Mind if I come over now? I'm in the area." "No problem, Sheridan. Carrie and I are here, Heath should be back pretty soon....maybe you'll meet him." "Great, thanks! See you in a few." "Bye!"

Sheridan hung up and smiled. She took her cup of coffee and drove in her Mercades to 1479 Lake Shore Drive. She looked up and gasped. The Building was 10 stories high, but it was in immaculate condition, even for it being an antique. She walked to the elegantly carved wooden door, and rang the doorbell to room 1001. "Hello? This is Carrie." Sheridan leaned into the speaker. "Hi, I'm Sheridan....I'm here to see the apartment?" "Oh great! Come on up!" Carrie unlocked the door and Sheridan stepped inside. She saw an elevator, and went inside. She pushed the 10 button, and rode the elevator to the top floor. She went to the large white door and knocked.

A brown spiky haired man answered the door. He looked about 30-ish, and he had a beautifully chiseled face. His jaw was perfect, and his eyes were as green as grass. He looked about 5'10", and as far as Sheridan could see, he was in pretty good shape. "Hi, you must be Sheridan?" He said, looking her up and down. "Nice to meet you, I'm Steve." He stuck out his hand, and they shook. "Nice to meet you too, Steve." Steve motioned for her to come inside, and she gasped when she saw the inside. Right when she came into the apartment, she saw a large glass door leading outside into a deck overlooking Lake Michigan.

Steve led her to the living room...there, the room was painted a bright red, and there was a black leather couch, and two black leather chairs, and a clear coffee table. But the main thing in the room was the huge big screen TV. Steve led her into another room, the kitche/dining room, and she smiled. It was huge! The walls were painted a bright purple, and the counter was a pale purple, and in the middle was an "island" where the sink and dishwasher were. On the side was the stove, oven, microwave, and refrigerator. The adjoining dining room was cut off by a pair of French glass doors, and Steve opened them, and on the inside was a room painted royal blue.

Sheridan beamed with delight, and she looked on....Steve showed her his room, which was orange, then went onto Carrie's room, which was painted a bright yellow that hurt Sheridan's eyes. She then went into Heath's room, which was a beautiful blue. The next room was the empty room, and Sheridan entered. It had three windows, two on one wall, and one on another, and this room was painted bright pink. She smiled with delight, and she looked around, in the humongous bathroom, and her full-size walk in closet. "This place is gorgeous, Steve!" Steve smiled. "You haven't seen nothing yet." He led her to a door leading to the outside by the kitchen, and they went outside. There was a pair of white spiral stairs leading up to an indoor pool and hot tub. Sheridan gasped, and Steve smiled. "What do you think?"

"Oh my God, I love it! I'll take it!" Steve looked shocked. "Great! We can figure everything out later, let's go see if Carrie's around. They went back inside and Carrie was sitting down, watching TV. "Hey! You must be Sheridan! I'm Carrie!" She and Sheridan shook hands. Carrie was a tall, model-looking woman, and she had brown highlighted hair and the biggest brown eyes. She looked about 5'11", taller than Steve, and her face was absolutely flawless. Sheridan smiled, and Steve said, "Well, Carr, this is our new roommate!" Carrie smiled and said, "Great! We should go out to eat and celebrate!" Just then, they heard the doorknob turn.......

To Be Continued...

NEXT ON STRONGER: Sheridan meets Heath, and they go out to eat. How will she deal with her new roommates? Find out on the next chapter of Stronger!

Chapter 4:

The doorknob turned, and in entered a very tall, very handsome looking blond haired man. He looked at Sheridan with confusion, and then at Steve and Carrie. Steve smiled. "Sheridan, I'd like you to meet Heath. Heath, this is our new roommate, Sheridan Crane." Heath looked at her, and said, "Welcome, luv." Sheridan chuckled. "Nice to meet you, Heath. I take it you're Australian?" Heath nodded and laughed, "100%" Sheridan looked at the beautiful blonde Aussie. His blond curls reached out past his ears, and his deep blue eyes would make anyone get lost in them for days. When he smiled, his pearly whites showed through. But most of all, he was tall, and he looked in VERY good shape. His face was nicely chisled as Steve's was, and his nose was absolutely perfect. Sheridan smiled, and Carrie said, "OK, Heath, do you mind if we all go out to eat and celebrate our new roommate's arrival?"

Heath smiled. "Sounds like a blast to me. Just let me get my sweater and we'll hitch up and go!" His Australian accent flowed through. He raced to his room, and he came back with a light grey ribbed turtleneck sweater that was very tight and accentuated his muscular abs. "Let's go, mates!" Heath smiled. Sheridan laughed and went out the door. They all piled into Carrie's red BMW convertible, Heath and Carrie in the front, and Steve and Sheridan in the back. "So, where are we going?" Sheridan asked. Heath replied, "Only the best Italian restauraunt in Chicago!" Steve nodded. "Italian Village is muy belissimo!" He said in a fake Italian accent. Sheridan laughed. "It must be good." They arrived, and sat down in a large booth in the back of the restauraunt. After getting their drinks, Carrie asked, "So Sheridan, tell us about yourself." Sheridan looked down at her napkin, and back up. "Well, this is a pretty sad story. I came from a small town in Massachusetts called Harmony, and I belong to a rich and powerful family, the Cranes. I try not to associate with them too much....I don't know how to put this, but basically they don't give a damn about me."

She looked around, and they all looked shocked. Carrie nodded, "Well that's a damn good reason to come to the good ol' Windy City!" Steve raised his glass, "Here here!" Sheridan drank, and continued.. "That's not the only reason why I came here. A guy, Luis...I loved him, and I found him cheating on me with one of my friends." Heath shook his head. "Now that's just bloody awful." Carrie nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry, Sheridan." Steve sighed. "Guys like that should....I don't know, but they're not good!" All of them laughed, including Sheridan, and they got their dinners and ate. Sheridan asked what all of them do, and Carrie said, "Well, I'm a model for JCrew, and in the meantime, I work on designs, for my own clothing store. I want to be a designer someday." Sheridan smiled.

Steve replied, "I'm a physical trainer to many people. Famous, too." Heath replied, I'm an actor, but currently, I'm well, how do I put this.....unemployed." Sheridan laughed, then frowned. "Well at least you didn't have a shmuck for a boyfriend." Heath looked down. Sheridan noticed she hit a tough spot and she quickly stopped. After they got their check, they stopped by Sheridan's hotel room, where she got her stuff, and they went back to the apartment. Sheridan was sitting on the hard wood floor in her bedroom in her Abercrombie baseball tie and Gap boxers, and she was looking at pictures of her and Luis together. "Knock knock, anyone here?" Sheridan turned around. There was Heath in a clingy "I luv Australia" t-shirt and sweatpants. She quickly started to put her pictures up, but Heath saw one and picked it up. "Who's handsome?" Sheridan frowned. "That's Luis, the shmuck." Heath frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry, luv." Sheridan smiled. "That's alright." Heath gave her the picture. "You two look good together." She frowned. "We did." She quickly changed the subject. "So Heath, do you have a girlfriend?" Heath frowned. "I did, until she cheated on me."

To Be Continued...

NEXT TIME ON STRONGER: Heath and Sheridan talk about their relationships.........will they get along?

Chapter 5:

Sheridan looked down at the floor. "Oh. Do you mind if I ask you about her?" Heath looked down at the ground and sat. "I guess it's about time I told somebody." She looked at him with respect, and he started. "Her name was Ashley...she had brown hair, like chocolate, and she had the greenest eyes. We were so close, like we had one mind....well, that is until she cheated on me with my good friend, Paul. I found them one day in my bed, in Australia, and I have never been down under since. Sheridan looked sadly at him, and she felt a sort of attraction towards him that she couldn't explain. "Well luv, would you like to tell me about this Luis?" She sighed. "There's not really that much to tell. We were in love, but then he cheated on me....And, well....I haven't had a good track record at all with men." Heath looked at her. "I can't believe someone as beautiful as you would have such a hard time with men!" Sheridan blushed.

"Thanks.....but well, I guess you're wrong, because I was used so many countless times that I think I'll turn out to be an old maid!" Heath laughed. "Well, I can be the old man across the street with no woman." They both laughed and sighed. Sheridan looked into Heath's blue eyes, and he looked right back. They each felt some sort of mutual pull....Sheridan quickly looked away, and Heath yawned. "Oh, looks like I should be headin off to bed." Sheridan looked around and saw that there was no bed for her to sleep in. Heath looked around also and started to laugh. "Well, your sleeping arrangements are a little too shabby." Sheridan laughed. "I'll just sleep on the couch, it's no problem." Heath shook his head. "No, no. I'll sleep on the couch, you can sleep in my bed." Sheridan crossed her arms. "I wouldn't want to impose on you, Heath." Heath sighed.

"It's really no problem. I'll sleep on the couch." Sheridan began to raise her voice. "I'll sleep on the couch, Heath." Heath shook his head. "No, I'm sleeping on the couch. You are sleeping in my bed." Sheridan walked to the living room, got a blanket, and sat on the couch. "There. It's settled." Heath sighed, came over, and picked her up. "No it's not." He started to laugh, and he placed her gently on his bed. "Now, you're going to stay here, and I'm going into the living room." He was saying all this with about 4 inches away from both their faces. Sheridan started to laugh, and she nodded. "Ok, ok. You win! I didn't know there was someone so stubborn as I am in this world!" Heath laughed. "Well, Sheridan Crane, you have met your match." Heath smiled. "Goodnight, luv." Sheridan smiled. "Goodnight, Heath."

To Be Continued...

NEXT TIME ON STRONGER: Sheridan's first full day in her new apartment, with new friends....

Chapter 6:

The sunlight streamed into the room through the light blue curtain. Birds were chirping, signaling the start of a new day. The smell of crinkled leaves and fresh brewed coffee circulated through the air. Sheridan fluttered her eyelids a couple times, and yawned. She sat up in the huge bed and she smiled and yawned. She looked around the room, and continued to smile. "Hey Sheridan! Good morning." Carrie said, with a cup of steaming hot coffee in her hand. She was reading the Chicago Tribune on the comfy looking leather chair. Sheridan smiled. "Good morning, Carrie." Carrie smiled and looked back at her paper. "Coffee's over on the counter if you want some." Sheridan crinkled her nose. "No thanks....I'm not a coffee fan. I think I'll just take a swim." Carrie nodded and resumed to reading the news. Sheridan walked to her bathroom and put on a red bikini. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror, and she grabbed a towel.

She started to open the outside door, when Carrie said, "Hey, Sher, you don't have to freeze your butt going outside. There's some stairs past the kitchen that'll take you upstairs." Sheridan smiled. "Thanks Carrie." "No prob, Sheridan." Sheridan walked up the stairs and entered the glassed-in pool area. She gasped lightly when she saw Heath swimming in the pool, looking like a professional. His muscles moved with his gentle strides, and his long legs kicked through the water. She wrapped her towel self-consciously around herself and she proceeded forward. Heath saw something out of the corner of his eye, and he stopped swimming. He looked up, and smiled brightly when he saw Sheridan. "Why hello, luv. Have a good snooze?" Sheridan went to a chair and sat down. "Oh yeah, it was great. What about you?"

Heath smiled. "My neck's a bit sore, but nothing like a good swim can cure that." Sheridan laughed. "You're pretty good, you know that?" Heath shook his head and looked down. "Oh, nah...all Aussies are good swimmers. That's what we do." Sheridan got up and hopped into the pool. "Wow, this is really warm." Heath nodded. "That's the way I like it. No one else usually goes in the pool, so I put it how I like it. You can change it if you want." Sheridan shook her head. "No, no. It feels good." She looked away and began to swim. Heath was watching her take gentle strides through the water, and he smiled. There was something about her that he felt an attraction to....Sheridan saw Heath looking at her, and she stopped. "What is it?"

Heath smiled. "You swim pretty good. For an American, that is." Sheridan frowned. "Oh yeah? I bet I could beat you if I wanted to." Heath crossed his arms and laughed. "Oh, really?" Sheridan nodded. "Really." Heath swam over to the side of the pool. "Would you care to try?" Sheridan swam over, splashing water in his face purposely. "I'd love to." Heath smiled. "On your mark, get set, GO!" They both started out, with Heath in the lead. Sheridan swam as hard as she could, and she smiled in thought, and she grabbed ahold of Heath's leg. She pushed him back, and she swam forward. Heath took his head out of the water and yelled. "Hey! This is cheating!" Sheridan kept on swimming, and she reached the end. "I win!" She smiled in satisfaction.

He frowned and swam over. "No you didn't. You cheated. But I have a present for you anyways." Sheridan smiled. "Oh, you do?" Heath smiled. "Yup." He swam over, smiled, and pushed her head under water. Sheridan came back up and hit him on the shoulder. "Ow, Sher! Watch it!" Sheridan shook her head and pushed him down, under the water. He grabbed her legs, and she went under. They both came up for a breath of air, and they came back up about 2 inches away. Heath looked into Sheridan's eyes, and she looked right back, down at his lips, and up again. He touched her face with his thumb, and her lips quivered. He smiled, and she touched the back of his neck, fingering his blonde curls. He bent down, and kissed her waiting lips gingerly, and backed away. She looked into his glistening blue eyes, and she bent upwards and kissed him back.

To Be Continued...

NEXT TIME: What happens after the kiss???

Chapter 7:

Sheridan broke off the kiss and looked deeply into Heath's blue eyes. She looked down lustily at his swolen lips, and she grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him furiously, thrusting her tongue into the back of his sweet mouth. Heath responded with passion, and massaged Sheridan's back. He then broke off the kiss and proceeded down to her neck, kissing and biting. She took his face into the palms of her hands and touched Heath's face gently with her thumbs. He looked right into her icy blue eyes and frowned. He took Sheridan's hands away from his face, and he turned away. Sheridan frowned, lowering her eyebrows in frustration, and sighed. "What's wrong?" Heath looked over at her and shook his head. "What have I done? You just broke up with your boyfriend, and here I am, kissing you passionately."

Sheridan looked down at her feet in the pool, and back up again. "Heath....you did nothing wrong... I wanted to kiss you." Her eyebrows shot up and she realized what she just said. Heath looked into her surprized blue eyes, and smiled. "You really mean that?" Sheridan looked straight at him. "I do. There's something, something about you that I feel this connection to....I can't put my finger on it..." Heath raised one of is eyebrows and frowned again. "I'm flattered...but, still.....I don't want to hurt you, Sheridan. I'm afraid that if we.....you know, well....that if it doesn't work out, then maybe I'd hurt you, and I'd never want that." Sheridan sighed and shook her head. "Heath, don't worry. I won't get hurt. Maybe this is the one. Who knows? I've had so many bad relationships that I think I should have a good one by now. I mean, I won't know until we try, right? I need to get past Luis somehow, and I know I can't do that by myself. I have to be stronger, and I need you to help me."

Heath started to smile and took out his hand. "You've got a deal, luv." Sheridan beamed and took Heath's hand and held. She looked up into his blue eyes and became lost...lost within the depths of his soul. She could see the hurt in his eyes from being betrayed, and a hope, a hope for future times. She looked at his lips and moved forward, kissing him gently, carefully. He responded, holding the back of her head with his hand, and her back with his other hand. Her lips parted, and his sweet tongue delved into the depths of her mouth. She took her hands and massaged his chest, and to his back, rubbing.

They broke off, and Heath smiled. "How about we get out of this water?" Sheridan nodded and smiled. They climbed out of the pool, and he handed her a towel. She wrapped it around herself, and the two walked down the stairs to the kitchen. Heath turned around and asked, "Would you like any tea, luv?" Sheridan nodded, and went to the fireplace. She turned it on, and sat down. Heath made the tea, and brought over a cup to Sheridan in the living room. They both sat on the ground, looking at the fireplace, drinking their tea. Sheridan sat right next to Heath and snuggled in his arms. They sat right there, smiling and enjoying the warmth of the fire, together.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 8:

Sheridan and Heath were sitting, enjoying the warmth of the fire. Sheridan turned around and planted a gentle kiss on Heath's lips. "I'm gonna get ready. I have to get my furniture today." Heath looked at the clock and raised his eyebrows. "It's already 1? Jeez....time flew by!" Sheridan laughed and got up. She turned around and smiled, and went to her bathroom. She turned on the shower, and began to undress. She got out all her shower things, and she put them in the shower. She hopped in, and shampooed her hair. She lathered herself with body wash, used conditioner in her hair, and washed her face. She finished, and got out. She grabbed a towel, and dried herself off. She combed her hair and got her clothes. She put on a light blue angora sweater and gray tight pants. She dried her hair, put on her makeup, and went to the kitchen. She saw Heath eating some Cheerios. "Hey."

Heath smiled and looked up. "Looking gorgeous, luv." She smiled and grabbed the box of Cheerios. She poured herself a bowl, and added some milk. She sat down next to Heath, who was wearing an orange tight v-neck shirt, and a pair of dark jeans. They finished, and he got his keys and opened the door. Sheridan cocked her head to the side and looked at Heath. He smiled. "Come on, luv. Let's go get some furniture!" She smiled and walked out the door. They exited the building and went into Heath's blue Bug convertible. He drove to a shop on State Street, and parked the car. They walked into the store, and Sheridan looked around. She bought a bed, dresser, mirror, bookshelf, and curtains. She smiled, and told the movers to come later that night to put everything in place. She paid, and they got back into the car and drove to The Cheesecake Factory. They got a table and sat down. They ordered, and she looked at Heath.

"Thank you for the wonderful day, Heath." She smiled, and took his hand and held it. He smiled, and squeezed her hand. They got their food, and they ate. After they were done, they walked outside, looking at the top of the John Hancock building. She smiled, and looked around. All around were trees illuminated with Christmas lights, and she gasped. Heath took her hand, and they walked down Michigan Avenue, looking at the beautiful Christmas lights. They got to the river, and she looked at his pink face. "It's a little cold, huh?" Heath nodded. "Yeah, it is." He smiled, and looked down at her icy blue eyes. She looked up. "Maybe this will help you warm up." She leaned up and kissed him gently, then she looked into his deep blue eyes and smiled. "Did that help?" He shook his head and smiled. "Not really." He bent down and grabbed the back of her head and kissed her, wantingly. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he opened her waiting lips with his curious tongue, and submerged into her sweetness. She moaned, thrusting her tongue forward, until she couldn't take it any longer. She retreated back, and gasped for air. She breathed heavily for a moment, and then she smiled. "What about that?"

Heath gazed up at her and smiled. "That'll do it." She smiled and punched him playfully in the stomach. He looked shockingly at her, and she grabbed a handful of snow and hurled it in his direction. It hit him on the side of his face and he gasped. "What---Oh, you're gonna get it!" He picked up a big handful of snow, and he chucked it right at her nose. It hit her directly, and she clutched her nose, and pretended to cry. Heath ran up, and she got some snow behind her back, and smashed it right on his head. He squealed to the coldness, and he began to tickle her. She laughed furiously, and she began to run. She wasn't looking where she was going, until she hit an object, a person to be precise. She and the person fell down. Sheridan looked over to see who she hit. "Luis?"

To Be Continued...

Chapter 9:

She squinted, and she saw that the dark haired man wasn't Luis. She got up, and she helped the man up. "I'm so sorry. I thought...I thought you were someone. Excuse me." The man smiled and nodded, and went on his way. Sheridan shook her head, and went over to Heath. "God, I was really really shocked there for a second.....That's funny. Why would Luis ever want to come here?" Heath looked at her and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, luv. I say....let's go home." Sheridan smiled and hugged Heath. "Home sounds nice." They walked down Michigan Avenue back, hand in hand, and finally got to the parking lot where Heath's Bug was. They climbed in, and drove back to the apartment. Sheridan sighed and went to her room. She noticed that her furniture wasn't there yet, so she went to the living room, where Steve was reading a book by the fireplace. "Hey Steve?"

Steve looked up from his book. "Hey Sheridan. What's up?" "Do you know if my furniture came yet?" Steve looked confused. "Furniture?" Sheridan nodded. "I was supposed to get my furniture today. Nevermind." Steve shrugged and looked back at his book. Sheridan walked back towards her room, and stopped by Heath's room. Heath was taking of his orange shirt, and she could see his perfect tan back. His shoulder muscles rotated when he took of the shirt, and he turned around. His abs.....were perfect. Sheridan could feel herself begin to blush and stare, and Heath smiled. "Need anything, luv?" Sheridan looked up. "Huh?"

Heath laughed. "Well?" Sheridan shook her head and smiled. "Um....I have a little problem. My furniture didn't come yet." Heath smiled and quickly looked serious. "You can sleep in my bed again, it's no problem." Sheridan smiled. "You know, you can sleep in here too. I mean, I don't bite." Heath smiled. "Really? How do you know I don't?" Sheridan laughed. "Well I don't. I trust you." Heath smiled. "I need to go brush my teeth." Sheridan smiled and went to her bathroom. She put on a gray t-shirt and royal blue sweatpants. She brushed her teeth and her hair, and washed her face. She smiled at her reflection, and she went back to Heath's room. He was already in the bed, reading a book. "Hey."

Heath looked up. "Hello luv. Climb on in." He purred, laughing. Sheridan broke out laughing and hopped into the bed. She smiled at him, and he resumed to reading his book. After a while, Sheridan lifted her head and rested it on her hand. "Heath?" He looked over. "Yeah?" She smiled at him. "I just want to thank you.....for being my friend." Heath smiled. "You're very welcome." He bent over, and kissed her on her forehead. She blushed, and Heath smiled and bent down further, and kissed her softly on her lips. She received it, and smiled. She wrapped one arm around his neck, and proceeded to kiss him. She opened her lips, welcoming his familiar tongue, and he delved, deeper and deeper within the depths of her mouth. She was filled with desire, and she broke off.

"Make love to me." Heath looked at her surprisingly. "Are you sure?" Sheridan nodded, grinning at him lustily. She took off his t-shirt, and began kissing him again. He moaned softly, and he lifted her shirt off. She began kissing his neck, collarbone, chest, down to his abs. She played around with the waistband of his sweatpants, and smiled naughtily. She crept her hand under the sweatpants, and stroked his manhood, back and forth. He moaned loudly, and smiled. He began to kiss her, and kissed further and further, down to her breasts. He nipped her nipple with his teeth, and began to suck. She moaned, grabbing onto his blond locks. He then proceeded further, down to her boxers, and he gently tugged them off. Underneath, he pulled off her red lace panties, and she smiled, directing his head to where she wanted him to go.

He began to lick her stomach, and trailed his tongue all the way to her clit, and pushed his tongue upward, forcing his tongue into her warm inside. She screamed lightly with delight, and arched her back, until she could take it no further. He removed his tongue, and smiled, flashing his pearly whites. She smiled devilishly, and she removed his boxers. She raked her fingernails down his back, and he smiled in pleasure. He kissed her, and quickly swept himself into her. They started at a slow, sweet pace, and began to move faster, in sync, and they gasped with pleasure.

His strident thrusts into her were nothing like she had ever imagined, not even with Luis. She moved faster and faster with his body, until she felt a shot of supreme exhilaration shoot through her body. They screamed each other's name, and they collapsed, sweating and smiling. Sheridan looked over at Heath's glistening chest, and up to his smiling face. She moved over, closer to him, and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 10:

Heath looked shockingly into Sheridan's sparkling blue eyes. "You....you what?" Sheridan smiled. "I love you." Heath looked down at the bed. "I...I don't know what to say." He frowned. "I hardly even know you." Sheridan looked at his worried face, and she sighed. "Great. Just perfect. I fall for another one, and he just breaks my heart." "No, Sheridan..." "No, Heath. No need to explain. You don't love me. Hell, I don't think any guy will ever love me." Her eyes widened. "Oh my God....now I know what you're up to! You just get me into bed so I can be your...your whore! Is that it? Do you just want me for the sex?" "Sher..." "That's enough, I need to get out of here." "Wait..."

It was too late. Sheridan put on her clothes and raced out the door. Heath ran right after her, but she was too fast. He placed his hands on his forehead and rubbed his temples. "Wait....I do love you." Sheridan raced to the elevator, and punched the button. "Come on, come on...." The elevator opened, and she pressed the ground floor button. She got off the elevator and walked to the parking lot, and she got into her Mercades. She popped in her Bon Jovi cd, and smiled.

"This ain't a song for the broken-hearted
No silent prayer for the faith-departed
I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd
You're gonna hear my voice
When I shout it out loud

It's my life
It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said I did it my way
I just wanna live while I'm alive
It's my life

This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
Tomorrow's getting harder make no mistake
Luck ain't even lucky
Got to make your own breaks

It's my life
And it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life

Better stand tall when they're calling you out
Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down
It's my life
And it's now or never
'Cause I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive


(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive

It's my life
And it's now or never
'Cause I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive
(It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway
Like Frankie said I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive
'Cause it's my life"

Sheridan looked at the rearview mirror and saw Heath getting into his car. She rolled her eyes and stepped on the gas pedal. Heath saw the Mercades zoom out, and he followed. Sheridan looked into the mirror, and she sped faster. He caught up, and she pressed on the pedal even further. She got onto the street, and she ran through a yellow-turning-red light. Heath did not see the light, and an oncoming car rammed right into him. Sheridan heard the tired squeal, and she hit the breaks. She got out of the Mercades, and she ran over to the accident. "Heath!"

To Be Continued...

Chapter 11:

"Heath! Oh my God!" Sheridan rushed over to the smashed car, and peered inside. She peered in the window, and she could make out Heath's head. She could see a great supply of blood, and tears started streaming down her cheeks. She looked around frantically, and saw a woman. "Please, you have to help me! Can you go to my car, and call an ambulance on my cellphone?" "Yes, Ma'am." The lady ran to Sheridan's car, and called the ambulance.

About 5 minutes later, sirens could be heard, and the paramedics rushed to the scene of the accident. They opened the door, and carefully carried Heath out, and placed him on a stretcher. "Okay, this is a bad one! We need to get him to the hospital right away." Sheridan looked distraughtly at the mangled body, and she walked towards the ambulance. "Wh...what hospital are you taking him to?" "Harmony-St. John's, Ma'am. Let's go, Bob!"

Sheridan watched as the doors shut, and she started to cry. She walked to her car, and she went inside. She drove in silence to the hospital, and she went to the ER. She walked through the door to the main desk. "H..hi. I'm here to...see if my friend is okay." "Okay. What's your friend's name?" "Heath, Heath Clarkston." "Okay....Heath is currently in the OR. The doctors should be out soon." The lady smiled, and showed Sheridan to the waiting room.

Sheridan looked around the room, and saw crying babies, mental patients, and worried wives, fathers, daughters... Sheridan could feel tears run down her cheeks. *I can't lose him now...no, I need him. He can't die, not like this.* Sheridan looked down at the floor, and placed her hands by her head. "Heath Clarkston's friend? Anyone?" Sheridan looked up, and asked. "Yes?" "Here, come with me." Sheridan followed the man in the white lab coat. "Is he alright?" The doctor looked at the tearful young woman, and sighed.

To Be Continued...