It is a couple of months down the road, Mary and Victor have married. Frank and Courtney's plans to break up Karen and Joe have all just been revealed. It is now the evening of the day all of this has come to light. Joe is at the hospital fuming and venting to Matt. 

It is a couple of months down the road, Mary and Victor have married. Frank and Courtney's plans to break up Karen and Joe have all just been revealed. It is now the evening of the day all of this has come to light. Joe is at the hospital fuming and venting to Matt. 
Joe: This is just beyond unthinkable. They tried to destroy my relationship with my true love! Matt they made me look like a cheating sex maniac. Courtney thinks I could go to her after that! It makes me sick to think I ever cared about her. She is evil to the core! A pure waist of skin and bones. I can't imagine she has a heart. And Frank! My own brother stabs me in the back! I don't even know that man any more! This is all so infuriating! This time a couple years back I would have simply gone to Frank and he would have handled it. But now who can I turn to?! I'll tell you one thing there is no way I'm letting Courtney raise my son. I'm going out for a few hours I can't work right now. 

Joe storms off. 

Ellen comes up to Matt. 

Ellen: Joe is pretty upset. 

Matt: Wouldn't you be. His own brother teemed up with that pitiful excuse for a human being and tried to wreck his life. Courtney nearly succeeded in getting Karen to dump Joe. She is a beast, and Joe deserves someone to help see that justice is served. You know my family may have been bad but the one thing they did preach which I agree with is loyalty. Joe needs someone to help him out right now and since Frank isn't going to do it I guess I will. 

Ellen: Matt what are you saying? 

Matt: I'm saying that I'm Joe's friend and I'll do what ever it takes to help him. My shift is over I'm out of here. 

Matt takes off. 

Karen is in her apartment on the phone with her mother. 

Karen: I can't believe that little evil slut! She practically ruined my relationship with Joe. She is a heartless, pathetic, greedy, selfish, evil, monster! Do have any idea the emotional pain that thing has caused me! I can't believe Joe could have ever cared for that creature! I never knew I could feel such hate for someone, but when it comes to Courtney that is exactly what I feel! I need to get out of here. 

Karen hangs up grabs her coat and leaves. 

Scott is at the fire house with Lucy. 

Scott: You know there was a time when I considered that women a friend! I was even going to represent her in that custody battle. When I think of what that peace of filth put my Karen through it makes me sick. She is going to pay Lucy mark my words no one messes with my family! 

Scott grabs his coat and storms out the door. 

Mary and Victor are at there apartment talking. 

Mary: That evil little witch! Not only did she nearly wreck Joe's life, and cause me anguish when my ring was stolen, she has turned my sons against each other! I know the DL-56 changed Frank but he couldn't of done any of these things to Joe if it wasn't for her influence. I hope she rots in HELL! 

Mary I need to get some air I'll be back later. 

Mary storms out. Victor looks at a picture of her. 

Victor: Oh my sweet Mary how can I help? 

Victor suddenly grabs his car keys and leaves. 

The next morning Frank goes over to the secret apartment to close it up. He finds the door is slightly open. He walks in and gasps in horror. 

There on the floor laying in a pool of blood with her heart literally cut out and lying beside her is Courtney! 

Chapter 2
The Police are now swarming the secret apartment, while pictures are taken and evidence is gathered. 
Garcia: Frank what if anything do you know about this. Do you have any Idea who would want Courtney dead? 
Frank: I know exactly what I told you I came in and found her lying on the floor in a pool of blood with her heart lying next to her. As far as people with a motive go well she was about as liked as Devlin was. 
Garcia: Give me some examples. 
Frank: Well Joe and Karen for starters they both hated her for trying to bust them up. Scott hates anyone who tries to mess with his family. But I'm sure those are just the tip of the ice burg. 
An officer comes over to them. 
Officer: We found the murder weapon. 
He holds up an antique surgical tool covered in blood. 
At the Scanlon house Joe has arrived to tell Neil the news. Frank called him awhile ago he almost hung up on him but something had made him stop. When he arrives Neil and Lark are eating breakfast together. Lark has made sure that Neil hasn't turned on the TV or radio. 
Joe: Hey guys. 
Neil: Joe! 
Neil runs over and gives him a hug. Lark excuses herself and leaves for school quickly. 
Joe: Hey Neil how would you like to skip school today and we'll spend the whole day together. 
Neil: COOL! But won't mom be mad? 
Joe: I think it will be okay. Anyway Neil we need to talk. 
He directs Neil back to the table and they sit down. 
Neil: Uh Oh something is wrong isn't it. 
Joe takes Neil's hands in his. Joe: Neil something very serious and terrible happened last night. But I don't want you to be scared I'm here for you and I will always be here for you. You are not alone and I won't let you ever be alone you are my son and I love you. Last night a very bad person hurt your mom, and she died. But in some small way she'll always be with you. 
Neil: No no she's not dead! 
Neil starts to run away, but Joe grabs him. 
Joe: I'm sorry Neil but she is. But I'm here and I'll always be here for you. 
Neil starts to cry, Joe takes him in his arms and hugs him tightly. 
Matt and Ellen are getting ready for work at his place. Matt is in the shower while Ellen gets dressed. Ellen feels bad that Matt has to go in so early he only got in a few hours ago, and he was so agitated that he didn't sleep. He said it was about a patient but Ellen has a strange feeling there's more to it. Ellen's eyes drift around the room and she notices that one of the antique surgical tools that she gave Matt as a present is missing. Just then the news on the radio comes on. 
Voice: There was a murder last night, Courtney Kanelos was found brutally murdered with a antique surgical tool. 
Ellen's mind races back to what Matt said last night at the hospital and her face goes pale. 

Chapter 3
It is later at the hospital. Sebastion steps off the elevator, with a stack of papers. He sees Mary and heads over to her. Mary is frazzled today she got to work late after getting home in the wee hours of night and is very anxious.
Sebastion: Mrs. Collins
Mary: My name is Sebastion I work for Lance Pharmisuticles. We're in the middle of testing a drug called DL-56 and we'd like for you to fill out a question air for us.
Mary: THAT DRUG DESTROYED MY FAMILY! Sebastion: Pardon me maam but I've heard of your son and it seems to me he is simply an addict and you shouldn't blame the drug.
Mary slaps him.
Mary: How dare you talk about my son that way, you low life scoundrel!
Mary storms off, and bumps into Karen.
Karen: Hey Mary what's wrong?
Mary: I was just approached by Sebastion he wanted me to fill out a question air about DL-56 when I told him what it had done to my family he told me I should defend an addict and that it wasn't the drugs fault!
Karen: WHAT! he trying to manufacture DL-56! That drug is not only responsible for destroying Frank it killed two people, he has to be stopped.
Mary: Well judging from his attitude that is going to be one difficult thing to accomplish.
Karen: I have to call Joe.
Mary and Karen storm off. Mary goes to call Victor.
Victor tries to reassure her.
Victor: Oh sweet Mary what can I do.
Mary: Can you stop him! I've got to go.
Mary hangs up and leaves the hospital early.
Victor stairs at the phone, then hangs it up grabs his coat and leaves.
Karen is on the phone with Joe.
Karen: I don't care what it takes I'm going to stop him!
She slams down the phone signs out and leaves. Joe grabs his coat.
Joe: Dam it! That drug is poison and anyone who deals in it is scum in my book. Lark I have to run out watch Neil okay.
Lark: Okay but. .
Joe is out the door.
Matt is looking for Ellen they are supposed to have lunch. He is headed towards the elevator when he sees Ellen and Sebastion standing in front of it kissing passionately. He is shocked and angry not to mention hurt beyond words. He wheels himself away quickly before anyone can see him. Matt talks to him self.
Matt: I have worked and waited to long to loose my Ellen to a jerk like him. She is mine and I'm going to see to it that it stays that way.
Unknown to him Chris not only saw the kiss and saw Matt watching he also is listening to Matt's little private talk. Matt then leaves the hospital.
In the early evening Ellen goes over to see Sebastion to talk about the very unplanned kiss. She finds his door ajar, she enters and as her eyes focus she screams in horror.
There in the middle of the living room is a huge Ice sculpture of a Donkey and frozen stiff inside of it is Sebastion!

Chapter 4
Ellen is beside herself with emotion as Sebastion's frozen corps is taken from the apartment. Garcia is questioning her. Garcia: Do you have any idea of who may have done this?
Ellen thinks. She remembers the missing surgical instrument and shivers. Ellen: Sebastion was new in town I'm not sure if he had any enemies or not. I know he was working for Lance Pharmicuticals, and was trying to promote DL-56. But I'm not sure if that means anything.
Garcia: Considering all the damage that drug has caused it just might.
It is now the next morning at the hospital. Karen sees Joe over at the nurses station and runs up to him.
Karen: Joe did you hear the news? There has been another murder, Sebastion is dead. Someone turned him into a ice sculpture.
Joe: Your kidding! First Courtney and now Sebastion.
Karen: The cops think it may be the same person.
Joe: Another serial killer?!
Karen: Well it's only speculation at the moment but it is a possibility. What's really scary though is that this one is striking in such quick succession. Courtney and Sebastion died with in less then 24 hours of each other and we have no clue what this persons motivation, or plan is.
Joe: At least with General Homicide there was a blue print so we had an idea of the targets.
Mary is sitting in the cafeteria waiting for Victor when Chris passes by.
Chris: Hello Mrs. Collins your looking nice today. So how is Frank getting along with his new job. He hasn't beaten anyone up yet has he? Or has he come to work at all those junkies can be so unpredictable.
Chris chuckles and walks away. Mary has steam coming out of her ears. She goes over to him.
Mary: My son is working very hard to get his life back together, the one you stole from him.
Chris: You know you may be older then me but as a doctor I'm still your superior and you can't talk to me like that.
Chris leaves as Victor comes in. Mary is near tears and is clutching her fists. Victor goes over to her.
Victor: My dear Mary what is the problem. Mary: That wretched Chris Ramsey that's what! First he destroys my Frankie, then he insults him to my face and then he is rude to me and tells me I can't do anything about it!
Victor: That miserable menace! Oh Mary what can I do.
Mary: Can you get back at him? Oh never mind I'm going to take the day off. I'll meet you at home later I need to be alone.
Mary storms off. Victor looks after her.
Victor: Oh my sweet for you the world.
Victor then leaves. Mary bumps into Joe and she relays the story to him.
Joe: He said what! You know one of these days someone is going to teach him a lesson!
Joe who is now off duty storms off.
Garcia is talking to Chris in the hall.
Garcia: So what do you know about Sebastion?
Chris: Not much really.
Garcia: He was working for Lance Pharmisuiticals on DL-56 Did you know that?
Chris: I had heard that yes. But I'm involved in that two so we were on the same side it that is what your getting at. Personally I think his death was a crime of jealousy.
Garcia: What do you mean?
Chris: Well what I did know about him was that he came to town looking for Ellen. You see they used to have a thing together and he wanted to restart it. And Ellen wasn't doing a whole lot to dash his hopes. I saw them kiss yesterday and I saw that Ellen’s current flame Dr. Matt Harmon saw to.
Garcia seems intrigued.
Garcia: Thank you Dr. Ramsey.
Matt has been working not far away and has heard the whole thing. Is blood is boiling. Matt thinks to himself.
Matt: Now he want's Garcia to think I'm a killer. Oh Chris you aren't going to get away with this.
Garcia goes over to Matt.
Garcia: Dr. Harmon do you mind if I ask you a few questions.
Matt: Not at all detective how can I help you.
Garcia: How well did you know Sebastion?
Matt: He was an old friend of Ellen’s, and Eve's patient he had a heart problem and worked for Lance Pharmisuitacals that's the extent of my knowledge of him.
Garcia: Where he and Ellen very close?
Matt: They were very good friends I think he may have wanted more but nothing could come between Ellen and Me. If you don't mind detective I need to go. Garcia: Not a problem thanks for your cooperation.
Garcia leaves. Matt takes off, and after awhile gets Karen to cover for him then leaves. Chris finishes his shift and heads home.
Eve has a fight later that day with Kevin and they break up. She heads for Chris's apartment. When she arrives the door is partly open. She goes on in and screams in horror. There lying on the floor is Chris he has wads and wads of money stuffed in his mouth she tries to pull them out but he has already choked to death. She notices a bump on his head and realizes he was knocked out first.

Chapter 5
It is the next morning and word of Chris's murder has spread like wild fire. Matt, Joe and Karen are standing at the nurses station talking.

Karen: I can't believe someone actually killed Chris. I mean he may have been an awful man but still.

Joe: Well Chris wasn't exactly popular I guess he finally pushed someone to far.

Matt: Well all things considered it was a fitting end to retched, heartless, con man. He got exactly what he deserved.

Matt smiles and rolls away.

Karen looks questioningly at Joe.

Joe: Karen it's no secret that Matt hated Chris but that doesn’t mean he killed him.

Karen: I know I guess I'm just a little jumpy. Garcia is almost certain that the person who killed Chris also killed Courtney and Sebastion.

Joe: So we have another serial killer on are hands?

Karen: It looks that way.

Joe: Do we know what the connection of his targets are?

Karen: No the cops haven't found anything that they are commenting on.

Joe: Oh this is great we don't even have a clue as to who e may go after. Any of us could be next.

Karen: That's why we all need to be extra careful.

In the On call room Ellen is waiting for Matt. Matt comes in whistling.

Ellen: Matt we need to talk.

Matt: What's up?

Ellen: Matt the morning after Courtney was killed I noticed that one of the antique surgical tools that I gave you was missing. It was the same type that was used to kill Courtney. I know you felt threatened by Sebastion, and the Ice sculpture Sebastion was found in well it was a Donkey which has alot of meaning. You hated Chris and now he's dead. Matt all of this is very well. . .

Matt: You think I'm the killer?! Ellen how could you even think such a thing of me! I have spent most of my adult life trying to get away from that life. I'm in a wheel chair because I didn't want to be in that life! Yes I was angry, at Courtney for what she put Joe and Karen through. Yes I was jealous of Sebastion and yes I did hate Chris. But murder! Ellen I thought you new me. How could you think that of me even for a second.

Matt is crying he turns to go.

Ellen: Matt please wait.

Matt is already out the door.

Over at Victor and Mary's apartment they are doing a little cleaning.

Mary: I can't believe we have another killer on the loose. It's hard to believe that Chris is dead when yesterday I was just complaining about him.

Victor: Well you have to give the killer credit for being creative. Choked to death by money. Sounds to me like a fitting end to a rotten man. They say every dog has his day and I guess it was Chris's day to get what was coming to him.

Victor leaves the room.

The phone rings it's Karen.

Karen: Hi Mary how are you?

Mary: I'm doing good how are you.

Karen: I'm okay. Listen the reason I'm calling is that Garcia has just found evidence linking all three of the murders together. But he is still unclear as to who the killer may target next, so you and Victor need to be extra careful.

Mary: Well thank you Karen we will. Tell Joe to be careful to.

Karen: Oh I intend to watch him like a hawk. Well on a happier note Joe and I have finally set a date.

Mary: You know Karen marriage is a big responsibility, and isn't something that should be taken lightly.

Karen: I know that Mary, and I'm taking my upcoming marriage to Joe very seriously.

Mary: Well I hope you take it more seriously then you took your last marriage. I don't want to see my son hurt.

Karen: Mary I promise you I will never hurt your son, you have my word/

Mary: Well forgive me if I don't find the word of a divorced ex-stripper, and drug user worth a whole lot.

Mary hangs up and scowls at the phone as Victor comes back in the room.

Victor: What's wrong Mary my sweet?

Mary: My son and that retched little witch Karen have set a date for their wedding. Just the thought of that piece of trash as a member of my family makes my stomach turn. As mush as I hated Courtney and the influence she had on Frank, She had the right idea trying to break Joe and Karen up. I only wish she had succeeded before she died. I have to get to work.

Mary leaves in a huff.

Victor watches her go. Then he grabs his coat and runs out the door.

Back at Chris's apartment Garcia finds a business card belonging to Matt. He thinks back to the conversation with Chris. He calls Mac and gets a search warrant for Matt's apartment.

 
The killer waits behind the bathroom door of the on-call room, ready to plunge 60 cc of speed into the next victim. The killer has craftily had the victim paged to the on-call room using an accent so it can't be traced back to them. The killer hears someone come in. The killer is certain that this is the victim, so the killer readies the shot and waits. The killer hears someone coming into the bathroom. As the person enters the killer pounces knocking the person to the ground and blindly plunging the needle into their neck. The killer gasps upon the realization that this wasn't the intended victim but just some unlucky person who came into the bathroom. The killer races out only stopping long enough to drop the syringe into a locker, as the person convulses, gasps, and dies. 

It has been a long day, Karen is tired and ready to be done with her shift. 

Karen: After I see who paged me to the on-call room, I'm going to change and go home. 

Karen thinks to her self as she goes into the on-call room. 

Karen: Hello, is anyone here? Someone paged me here, are you still here? 

Karen: Oh well I guess I get to go home then. 

Karen thinks to her self. 

Karen heads into the bathroom to take a shower. As she enters the bathroom she screams in horror. There on the floor is ELLEN! 

Karen checks for a pulse but there is known. 

Soon police are buzzing through the on call room. Joe is trying to comfort Karen. 

Karen: I can't believe this is happening. Who'd want to kill Ellen? 

Joe: The same sicko who has already killed three other people. 

Karen: But why what is motivating this killer. At least with Julie there was some rhyme to it. But all of this is so random. Oh my God Joe who's going to tell Matt?! 

Joe sighs. 

Joe: Well I was the one to tell him about Grace, so I guess I'll be the one to tell him about Ellen. 

Joe goes to the phone and dials Matt's number. It rings and rings but no one answers. 

At Matt's apartment Matt is just finishing a long hot bath he is very tense and needs to relax. He hears the phone but lets voice mail get it. He dresses and goes to the other room is nerves still jumpy. Just then there is a knock at the door. He opens it and Detective Garcia is standing there with to officers. 

Garcia: We have a warrant to search your apartment. 

Matt groans could this day get any worse. 

Matt: Fine. 

Garcia and the officers start going through Matt's apartment. Garcia shows Matt the business card inside a plastic bag that they found at Chris's apartment. 

Garcia: This yours? 

Matt: Yeah 

Garcia: any idea why it was at Chris's apartment? 

Matt looked stunned. Just then on of the officers comes up with the box of surgical tools Ellen had given him. Garcia looks at them. 

Garcia: One of them appears to be missing any idea where it might be? 

Matt shakes his head. His heart is pounding feverishly inside his chest. Then the other officer comes up holding a book on how to make Ice sculptures. 

Garcia: Matt I think you better come down town with us for some questioning. 

Matt leaves with Garcia and the cops. 

At the hospital other officers are questioning everyone. 

Officer: Did you see anyone going in to or coming out of the on call room today that didn't belong there? 

Lark thinks 

Lark: Well I saw Victor Collins around here earlier. But his wife Mary works here so he may have been looking for her. 

Officer: Did you talk to him? 

Lark: Well yeah, he seemed a little out of it so I asked him if he was okay and he assured me he was. A little while later I saw him with Mary and he seemed fine. 

Officer: Where was he when you first saw him? 

Lark: Walking real quickly down the hall. But Victor always seems a little frazzled. 

Officer: Did you see anyone else around here that surprised you? 

Lark: Well a little while ago I saw Matt Harmon I was surprised because he had this after noon off. So there was no reason I know of for him to be here. 

Chapter 7 
At police head quarters Matt is taken into the interrogation room. 

Matt called Scott on the way to the police station, and he meets them there. 

Garcia: How well did you know Courtney Kanelos? 

Matt: Not very well. I know her son Neil because he used to be a patient at GH. I know that She was Joe's ex girlfriend, and Chris Ramsey's current one. 

Garcia: Did you know that Courtney was causing alot of problems for Joe and Karen? 

Scott: Hold it right there Garcia what the hell dose that have to do with anything. Besides that was a public fact. 

Garcia: Fine Matt how good of friends are you and Joe. 

Matt: I wouldn't kill for him if that's what your asking. 

Garcia: Are you aware that a scalpel was used to kill Courtney. 

Scott: Garcia you have nothing of course he's aware of it it was all over the news! What do you think that he lives under a rock! 

Garcia takes a deep breath. He is clearly getting irritated with Scott. 

Garcia: Are you aware that it was similar to the kind of tools Ellen had given you, and that one of yours is missing. 

Scott: Aw come on Garcia do you think there is only one antique scalpel in the world! 

Matt: I know the tools are similar but I wasn't even aware one was missing until today when Ellen pointed it out to me. 

Garcia: Tell me about Sebastion. 

Matt: He was an old friend of Ellen's and Eve's heart patient. 

Garcia: Is it true that you caught Ellen and Sebastion kissing? 

Scott: Now hold it right there Garcia you have no evidence to back that up. And even if you did that proves nothing. 

Garcia: It proves motive! 

Scott: Well it's still here say. Matt don't answer it. 

Garcia: Are you in to Ice sculptures Matt. 

Matt: Not really but Ellen is. I bought that book the other day. I'm planning on making her one. 

Scott and Garcia look at each other. 

Garcia: You and Chris hated each other didn't you? 

Matt: We weren't friends. 

Scott: Garcia I know at least a dozen people who didn't like Chris. He was about as popular as Devlin. So Matt not liking him gives you nothing. 

Garcia: Okay why was your card at his place? 

Scott: Oh come on Garcia can't you tell when someone is being set up! 

Matt: I heard Chris talking about me to you. I wanted to tell him that I wasn't going to put up with him messing with my life, and if he did I'd go to the board and get him in big trouble. He had already left the hospital so I went to his place. I yelled at him and left. But I didn't kill him. My card must have fallen out while I was there. 

Scott: Garcia you have nothing let him go now! 

Garcia: Fine Matt you can go but don't go to far we may want to ask you more questions. 

Matt: Fine right now all I want to do is get home to Ellen. 

Scott and Garcia look at each other again. As they are leaving the interrogation room Karen and Joe come running in. Scott had called Karen from his car to tell her what was going on. 

Karen: Matt are you alright? 

Joe: Just what the hell do you think your doing Garcia! Are you really that dumb, this man is in a wheelchair because he doesn’t believe in violence. 

Karen: Joe not now! Matt are you alright? 

Matt: I'm fine, I just want to get home to Ellen. 

Joe and Karen look at each other. Joe kneels down in front of Matt. Karen rests her hand on his shoulder. 

Joe: Matt I'm afraid I have some awful news for you. There was another murder earlier today. In the on-call room some sicko injected Ellen with something and she died. Matt I'm so sorry. 

Karen hugs Matt. 

Karen: We both are. She was a good person and a good friend and we're all going to miss her. 

Matt's face is blank as the horrible truth sinks in. His face turns as white as a ghost, his eyes widen as tears gather ready to over flow, he then makes a guttural scream from deep inside like someone has torn out his insides. Then he starts sobbing uncontrollably. 

Matt: OH GOD NO!!! Not my Ellen not Ellen. 

He buckles over in mournful sobs. Karen and Joe wrap there arms around him and hug him tightly. 

Joe: I know you loved her Matt. We're all going to miss her. 

Karen: Matt we're going to help you through this we're your friends and your not alone. 

Just then an officer comes over to Garcia. 

Officer: Detective we found the murder weapon used on Doctor Burgess. 

At this Matt, Joe, and Karen all look up. 

The officer holds up a plastic bag with a syringe inside. 

Officer: We found it in Dr. Eve Lambert’s locker. 

Chapter 8 
The next morning Eve is in her hotel room getting dressed when there is a loud knock on her door. 

Eve: I'm coming I'm coming, keep your pants on. 

Eve opens the door, and finds detective Garcia standing there. 

Garcia: Dr. Lambert I need to ask you a few questions. 

Eve: Well I was just heading to work. 

Garcia forces his way in. 

Garcia: It's about the murders. 

Eve: Okay what? 

Garcia holds up the syringe in a baggy. 

Garcia: You recognize this? 

Eve: Oh gee let me think could it be a syringe? 

Garcia: It happens to be the syringe that was used to kill Ellen Burgess. 

Eve: Oh my God! So do you know who did it? Where did you find it? 

Garcia: It was in your locker. Any idea what it was doing there Dr. 

Eve looks pale and her eyes widen and her yaw drops. She pulls herself together after a minute or two. 

Eve: Oh My God! you think I did this don't you?! Ellen was my friend along with Matt I never would have hurt either one of them. 

Garcia: Then how'd it get there? 

Eve: Someone is trying to set me up obviously. 

Garcia: So what was your relationship with Courtney? 

Eve sighs. 

Eve: I barely new her. She used to date Joe, she was dating Chris. She was Neil's Mom. And she wanted Joe back. That's all I knew. I had know reason to hurt her. Unlike a good number of other people in this town. 

Garcia: How about Sebastion? 

Eve: He was my patient. I was doing everything in my power to help him have more time not less. 

Garcia: Okay how about Chris? 

Eve's eyes fill with tears, and she takes a deep breath. 

Eve: Chris was the dearest and best friend I ever had. I haven't had alot in my life, why would I kill off the best part of it. You know it's Ironic really Chris was always there for me, and he tried to let me know how much he cared for me time and time again. But I just didn't catch on until now. It all came to me after he died if that's not ironic I don't know what is. I guess Cooper was right the night he took us all hostage he said guys my own age didn't have a chance with me. 

Eve starts crying. Garcia hands her a tissue. Eve dries her eyes and takes a deep breath. 

Eve: I had just broken up with Kevin the day Chris was killed. I was on my way over to his place because I needed a friend. On the way I was listening to the radio. It was one of those request shows suddenly I hear Chris’s voice he is dedicating a song to me. It was Have You Ever By Brandy. I nearly drove off the road. This got me thinking about us and bye the time I got to his place I was already to tell him I was interested in pursuing something with him. And then I find him dead. 

Eve starts crying again. 

Garcia hands her another tissue. 

Garcia: Thank you for your time. I'll be in touch. 

Garcia leaves. 

Eve calls the hospital and tells them she's going to be late. 

She then curls up on her bed and cries herself to sleep. 

Matt has stayed over at Joe and Karen's. The three of them are sitting around the kitchen table drinking coffee. Matt is in a daze. 

Karen: Matt can I get you anything? 

Matt stares blankly into space. 

Matt: I can't believe it I just can't believe it. 

Joe rests his hand on Matt's arm. 

Joe: We're here for you. 

Matt: It's like a bad dream Joe I just keep thinking I'm going to wake up and she'll be alive. It just doesn’t seem real. 

Karen: It will get better. They're going to find the monster who killed her and when they do justice will be served. 

Matt: But Ellen will still be gone. 

Joe: Do you think it was Eve? 

Karen: Well Julie certainly took off my rose colored glasses, but I can't help but think it may be a set up. Maybe the person who was trying to set up Matt made a mistake. After all Matt and Eve's lockers are right next to each other. The killer was probably in a hurry. I could see how someone could confuse the lockers. 

Just then the phone rings. 

Karen I'll get it. 

Karen: Hello 

Garcia: Karen it's Garcia do you have a minute? 

Karen: Yeah sure. 

Garcia: We have reason to believe that Ellen was not the intended target. 

Karen: What do you mean? 

Garcia: Well the killer seems to kill with something that some how represents something in the victims life. Ellen was killed with an OD of speed. Pardon me for being blunt but you were once on that weren't you? 

Karen takes a deep breath. 

Karen: Yes I was. 

Garcia: Yesterday only minutes before Ellen was killed someone paged you to the oncall room but no one seems to know who did. In other words Karen we think the killer was aiming for you and Ellen just happened to walk into the trap. 

Karen gasps. 

Garcia: So be extra careful okay. 

Karen: I will of course thank you Detective goodbye. 

Karen hangs up the phone and goes back to the table. She is pale and is shaking. 

Joe: Karen what is it? 

Karen: That was detective Garcia. They are pretty sure that Ellen wasn't the intended victim but rather walked into the killers trap by accident. They think I was the intended victim. 

Joe: WHAT! 

Karen: If only I had answered the page to the oncall room right away Ellen might be alive. Oh Matt I'm sorry. 

Matt: Karen you don't know that and besides you'd be dead and personally I don't like that Idea any better. 

Joe runs over and wraps his arms around Karen. 

Joe: Oh Karen I don't know what I'd ever do if I lost you. I love you so much. it just makes me mad beyond words that someone would want to hurt you. 

The killer stares in the mirror and fumes at the mistake of yesterday. The killer puts together the necessary supplies and thinks outloud. 

Killer: Well Karen enjoy your extra day, For tonight I shall succeed and you will be no more. 

The killer laughs insanely. 

Chapter 9 
It is mid after noon at the hospital, and everyone is jumpy.

Eve is trying to work at the nurses station, when Matt comes up to her.

Matt: So I hear they found the syringe used to kill Ellen in your locker.

Eve: Matt I'm many things, and some of them aren't very flattering, but a killer isn't one of them. Besides they found your business card in Chris's apartment, an antique scalpel like the one Ellen gave you next to Courtney's body and Sebastion was frozen in an Ice Sculpture like the one you gave Ellen. You know she told everyone about it.

Matt: I'm not a killer.

Eve: Well either am I!

Joe comes over to them.

Joe: Hey come on guys this isn't the time or the place besides accusing each other isn't going to do any good.

Eve grabs her folder and storms off.

Joe: How are you holding up?

Matt: I'm making it. I just can't believe I'm never going to see her again.

Joe: I can't even imagine what I'd do if something happened to Karen. The thing is it almost did. If Ellen hadn't of walked in Karen would be the one dead right now.

Matt: We don't know that for sure.

Karen decides to go see Julie. She is at Ferncliff talking to one of Julie's doctors.

Karen: How is she doing?

Doctor: She is doing better. But she's still insisting that she's pregnant.

Karen: How do you think she'll react to seeing me?

Doctor: She seems to enjoy visitors more these days. I should be fine.

Karen goes in.

Julie: Long time no see stranger

Karen: I know I wanted to give you sometime. How are you feeling.

Julie: Great did you hear I'm pregnant.

Julie rubs her stomach allowing Karen to get a glance at the pillow.

Karen: Yeah I heard about that congratulations.

Julie: So why are you really here?

Karen: Well there seems to be another serial killer on the loose. 4 people have already died.

Julie: I know I've been reading all about it. I didn't do it.

Julie laughs a little.

Karen: I know that much. The thing is that there seems to be no rhyme or reason. These people who for the most part really aren't all that connected are just dying. I was hoping you could help me find a pattern. Maybe then I can clue the cops in and we can find this person.

Julie: Patterns aren't always obvious sometimes they're hidden in the past. Sometimes they have a connection that only the killer them self understands. But I'll try. We should look at each death individually first. Who was mad at Courtney?

Karen: Just about everyone I know.

Julie: Were any of those same people mad at Sebastion?

Karen: Well yeah but it was pretty much the same group.

Julie: How about Chris? And Karen forgive me for pointing it out but the papers say you were the intended victim not Ellen, who was mad at you?

Karen thinks hard. Then a chilling thought occurs to her.

Karen: Oh my God! No it couldn't be her.

Julie: Karen the one you least expect is often the culprit.

The Doctor peeks her head in.

Doctor: Julie it's time for your session.

Julie: Good luck.

Julie leaves. Soon Karen does to.

Karen goes home and prepares to take a hot shower.

Mary comes home from work. There is a letter from Victor on the table that says Joe called and wants them both at his and Karen's place for dinner at seven. He wants to discuss the wedding. Victor goes on to write that he has to run some errands so he'll meet her there. Mary slams down the paper and thinks aloud.

Mary: There won't be a wedding if I can help it.

She leaves.

Joe is signing out ready to go home. He hopes the surprise dinner won't bother Karen, but he thinks if he really shoves the wedding in his mom's face and makes it clear that it is going to happen then maybe she'll finally except it.

Karen gets in the shower as the killer watches

Chapter 10
Karen is in the shower washing the hard day away. She sings softly to herself as the water rushes over her. What Karen doesn’t know is that right out side her bathroom door awaits the killer.

The killer readies his gun, The killer thinks to himself.

Killer: I missed once but make no mistake I will not miss twice, Karen shall fall tonight! One more will be down, and only a few left to go. Granted a gun is not as clever as my other little tricks but none the less what must be done shall be done. And when I'm all through Matt Harmon will be on death row!

The killer hears Karen get out of the shower and readies himself. Karen opens the door, and he shoots. Karen falls to the floor in a limp heap as blood gushes from her. The Killer turns around and is face to face with a horrified Mary who has let herself in.

Mary: VICTOR!! What in God's name have you done!

Victor turns white as a ghost.

Victor: I..I killed her like you wanted me to.

Mary: I never wanted you to kill anyone!

Victor: Yes yes you did!

Joe come in and sees Victor with the gun, and Karen on the floor.

Joe: KAREN! Oh my God Karen!

Joe starts to go to her but Victor shoots him in the leg.

Mary: VICTOR! What has gotten into you!

Victor: I'm sorry Joe but your mother wants it this way.

Mary: Will you stop saying that I never wanted anyone dead!

Victor: Yes you did! That's why I did this.

Mary: I'm calling the cops.

Victor: YOUR NO BETTER THEN MELINIE!! Nothing I ever did was good enough for her!

Victor raises the gun and shoots Mary. He then runs out the garden door. Joe pulls himself over to Karen. She is barely alive he then checks his mother she to is barely alive. Joe knows that he can only treat one of them, If he tries to treat both at once they'll with both die, and by the time the ambulance arrives the one he doesn’t treat will be dead. He must make a split second decision that will affect the rest of his and many others lives. Joe looks at them both.

Joe: How the Hell am I supposed to choose between my mom who gave me life and Karen who's the love of my life.

Chapter 11
Joe looks at his mom and then back at Karen.

Joe: My mom gave me life, I can't even begin to imagine my life with out her in it. But Karen is the love of my life, and she makes life worth living. I can't fathom my life with out her. But mom you've always been here for me. You brought me into this world and you've done your best to give me a good life. I owe you for that so much.

Joe takes a deep breath and calls 911, he gets the ambulance on its way and hangs up.

Joe: Forgive me Mom but Karen is young she hasn't had nearly as many life experiences as you, and she deserves to have those experiences. Karen is my world. You always said you wanted me to be happy so I have to do this.

Joe moves over to Karen and begins treating her, as Mary slips away.

Meanwhile Victor is driving crazily through the streets.

Victor: Oh my God what have I done, What have I done?! Mary oh sweet Mary! But why did you say you didn't want me to kill those people you did you did. You wanted Courtney to pay for what she did to your boys relationship. You wanted Sebastion to be stopped from making DL-56. You wanted Chris to be punished for what he did to Frank as well as what he said to you. And you wanted Karen and Joe to not be together. You wanted all of that! Oh Mary my love why did you make me shoot you! I've given my all to you but it wasn't enough you are just like Kevin's mother! Nothing is ever enough for you! But now Joe knows and I’ll go to jail. Well not before I take care of one more person. And this ones just for me! If Scott wasn't around then Lucy and Kevin could be together. And since Kevin and Lucy are Serena’s guardians Lucy can have her to herself. Yes this will make so many things right.

Victor heads for the fire house.

Meanwhile the police swarm Karen's apartment. While Karen, Mary, and Joe go to the hospital. Mary is pronounced dead and taken to the morgue. Karen is rushed into emergency surgery. And Joe is treated for his shot knee. He fills Garcia in on Victor.

Garcia: Do you have any idea of where he might of gone.

Joe: No but in his frame of mind I'd say he is pretty dangerous.

Garcia: I would have never guessed Victor not in a million years.

Joe: I know you think you know he was my stepfather and my friend. Now thanks to him my Mom is dead, and my bride to be is fighting for her life..

Garcia: Not to mention the other 4 lives he took. Do you have any idea what might have motivated him? Or why he was trying to frame Matt?

Joe: He kept saying that my Mom wanted him to do these things. But as for the Matt part I have no idea.

Matt comes into the ER.

Matt: Joe Karen is out of surgery. We were able to repair most of the damage but she's still very critical.

Joe: I need to see her.

Matt: That's fine. She's on a ventilator and she's not awake but having you near will probably help. She is in room 7.

Joe limps off to see Karen.

At the fire house Scott has just gotten off the phone with Gail. He grabs his coat, and heads for the door angry and scared after hearing about Karen. As he walks out side Victor grabs him from behind and injects him with poison. Scott chokes and falls to the ground in a heap as Victor races away.
Scott lies limp on the front stoop of his house, as Victor drives off. Eve is driving along, she is headed to the cemetery to put flowers on Chris's grave as she has done every day since he was buried. When something makes her look out the passenger side window. She gasps in horror at the sight of Scott's motionless body lying on his front steps. Eve quickly turns into his driveway and races to him. She checks his vitals and is relieved to find he is still breathing. However his breathing is very weak and getting weaker bye the second. She calls 911 and then waits by Scott's side. 

Eve: Scotty everything is going to be okay you hear me everything is going to be okay. You hang in there the ambulance is on it's way and everything will be okay. You just keep fighting okay. Please Scotty just keep fighting. 

The ambulance arrives and rushes Scott to the hospital with Eve at his side. 

Back at the hospital Joe is sitting at Karen's bedside watching the love of his life sleep. He holds her hand tightly and strokes her head. 

Joe: It's time to wake up sleeping beauty. Karen you have no idea how much I love you and how utterly lost I'd be with out you. Please Karen wake up. 

As the day events finally start to really sink in, Joe is overcome with emotion. He lays his head down on the bed and starts sobbing. Just then he feels Karen squeeze his hand hard. He looks up through teary eyes to see the love of his life gazing at him with concern. Joe excitedly jumps up and starts checking her vitals, and talking quickly. 

Joe: Karen your awake your awake! Oh thank God, I thought I'd lost you. Oh Karen I love you so much and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Your going to be fine everything is going to be fine. It was Victor he's the killer they know that now. There is a full scale man hunt for him going. Everything is going to be okay. 

Victor is now at Jasmine Island. He sits near the cliff where Marcia fell. 

Victor: I know they'll find me here Marcia, but I needed to talk to you. You were the only women who never asked anything of me. I killed several people for that woman and now she has the nerve to say she didn't want me to. She's just like Melanie. Not that I didn't enjoy the benefits mind you. Setting that Matt up was a great treat for me. You know your still the only one who I've told about my other son. You know a son isn't supposed to die before his father. Oh Marcia what I'm I going to do? 

Back at the hospital, Karen is off the ventilator. 

Karen: I still can't believe Victor is a killer. 

Joe: I know it really is out of left field. 

Karen: He killed 4 people and then tried to kill me. 

Joe looks sadly at Karen. 

Joe: Actually it was 5 people. 

Karen: Five who else did he kill. 

Joe: My mother 

Karen gasps 

Karen: WHAT! No that's not possible Victor loves Mary. 

Joe: My mom walked in right when he shot you. I then walked in. I tread to go to you but Victor shot me in the knee. But I'm okay. He kept insisting that he was doing this for mom. When she denied wanting him to kill, he got angry and shot her. Then he ran out the door. You were both critical I knew that if I tried to work on you both neither of you would make it. But bye the ambulance arrived who ever I didn't work on would be dead. So I had to make the toughest choice of my life. 

Karen stares at him in amazement as what he has said sinks in. 

Karen: You chose to save me over your mom. I'm alive because your mom is dead? 

Joe: Your alive because God knows I'd be lost with out you. 

Karen: Oh Joe I love you to. 

They embrace. Just then Eve comes into the room. 

Eve: Um I'm sorry to bother you but I have some news you need to know about. 

Karen: What's up? 

Joe: Have they caught Victor yet? 

Eve: No not yet. Karen someone we think it was Victor tried to kill your father. He was injected with poison. But he's going to be okay, we got him here in time and the antidote we gave him is working. 

Karen: I want to see him. 

Eve: No Karen 

Joe: Karen you just had major surgery you can't get out of bed. 

Karen: I want to see him. 

Just then Scott is rolled into Karen's room on a gurney. The nurse who is with him explains. 

Nurse: Dr. Harmon felt they'd both get better a whole lot quicker if they were near each other. 

Scott is still fast asleep. Karen reaches over and takes his hand. 

Karen: I'm glad your here Dad.

Chapter 13
It is early morning the next day. Joe is at home making funeral arrangements for his mom. The door bell suddenly rings, Joe opens it to find Frank standing there. Franks eyes are red and puffy from crying, and he looks like he's been up all night. Joe starts to slam the door in his face. But Frank catches it with his hand. 

Frank: Joe please she was my mother to let me come in I want to help with the arrangements. 

Joe: Since when does family mean anything to you! The DL-56 has turned you into a back stabbing loser who I have no use for. 

Frank: Joe I know I have said and done terrible things. I could stand here all day apologizing but it wouldn't fix a thing. All I can do is try harder now and in the future. Please let me in. 

Joe: Why should I trust you! How the hell do I know this isn't another trick! 

Frank: Give me a chance to prove it's not. Joe the only reason I went along with Courtney's plan was because she said she would help me bring Chris down, and by doing so clear my name so I might be able to get my job back. I was desperate I felt I'd lost everything and I was scared. So out of fear and desperation I did a stupid thing. I know I hurt you, and I'm sorry. But as I said before I can't change the past I can only try harder now and in the future. 

Joe: Why the hell didn't you just hire a PI to bring Chris down! 

Frank: My reputation was shot who would have been willing to work for me. Not to mention I didn't have enough money to hire a good one. Please Joe are mother just died let me in. 

Joe: Okay come in. I could use some company. 

Franks: Thanks, so how is Karen? 

Joe: Better she'll be coming home in a few days. 

Frank: I'm glad.  She's a great lady.  You’re a very lucky man to have her. I hope someday I'm that fortunate. 

Joe: Thanks I know she is great. 

Frank: So how are the arrangements coming for mom's services? 

Joe: Slowly, I'm trying to make these call but it's really hard. 

Frank: How about if we split the list, I’ll make half the calls and you make the other half. That should make it a little easier. 

Joe smiles. 

Joe: Thanks 

Back at the hospital Scott, and Karen are doing much better. 

Scott has gotten out of bed and is holding Karen's hand as she sleeps. Karen opens her eyes. 

Scott: Well good morning sun shine. How are you feeling. 

Karen smiles at her Dad. 

Karen: Sore very sore. You should be in bed. 

Scott: Oh don't worry about me, I'm fine. 

Karen: Have they found Victor? 

Scott: No not yet. But when they do they better keep me away from him because no one messes with my family and gets away with it. And that's a promise. 

Victor is still on the Island. He decides to call Kevin. 

Kevin: Hello? 

Victor: Kevin? 

Kevin: VICTOR!! Where are you. 

Victor: Kevin I've really messed up. But I had good reasons. 

Kevin: Victor what reasons, what could your reasons be? 

Victor: Mary oh Kevin she wanted Courtney, Sebastion, Chris, and Karen dead she really did. I didn't want to let her down. But that doesn’t matter now. 

Kevin: Victor Mary is dead. 

Victor: She turned on me Monk! She wouldn't take responsibility for her part. I have to go now Kevin I just wanted to say goodbye. 

Kevin: Victor what do you mean goodbye? And why frame Matt? 

Victor: The Matt part doesn’t matter now it didn't work. I'm leaving the country. Goodbye Monk I pray that with Scott dead you and Lucy will get back together. 

Kevin: Victor wait! 

Victor: no there is no time I have to go. 

Victor hangs up the phone. And runs out the door straight into the arms of the cops who were listening in to the phone call and traced it here. They place him under arrest and bring him back to Port Charles. 

At the cemetery Eve kneels bye Chris's grave. She has to arrangements of flower's instead of one like she usually brings since she didn't make it here yesterday. 

Eve: Hey roomie it's me. I'm sorry I didn't get here yesterday, I wanted to but some stuff happened that I had to handle. But that means you get twice as many flowers today. I have good news they found out who the killer is. It was Victor but I guess I don't need to tell you that. It's amazing really he seemed like such a sweet guy. I guess you never really can tell. I miss you Chris and I'll never forgive myself for all the time I wasted when I could have been in your arms. I love you big guy and I always will. 

Eve starts crying. 

Matt is at the hospital trying to work, but his thoughts are with his beloved Ellen. Suddenly he gets a phone call. 

Matt: Hello? 

voice: Matt? 

Matt: Yes, who is this? 

voice: Matt this is Sharon Mefan. 

Matt: Sharon! oh my gosh I don't believe this is it really you?! I haven't talked to you since Well since 

Sharon: Since you went into the witness protection program I remember it like it was yesterday. 

Matt: How are you? What are you up to? 

Sharon: Well I'm doing good. I'm a doctor now just like you. 

Matt: I always new you would be. Where are you living now? 

Sharon: Well actually I just moved to Port Charles GH gave me a great job offer. 

Matt: Your working here! Sharon that's great! May I take you to dinner to celebrate? 

Sharon: I'd like that. I'm staying over at the Port Charles hotel at the moment. 

Matt: Okay, I'll pick you up around 7. 

Sharon: Sounds good to me. 

Matt: Well I have to go now I'll see you later. 

Sharon: Okay bye till later. Oh Matt one other thing 

Matt: What? 

Sharon: I've missed you. 

Matt: I've missed you to. 

Chapter 14

Lucy: Oh Kevin I'm so sorry. I just can't believe. I mean Victor of all people. He is the closest thing I've ever had to a Dad. And now I find out that the man I saw as a father figure, is a killer. Kevin do you have any idea what might have triggered this?

Kevin: Not really, he kept saying something about Mary wanting him to do these things, but I don't know.

Lucy: Is there anything I can do?

Kevin: Would you mind staying for awhile.

Lucy smiles.

Lucy: Sure I can stay.

Kevin takes Lucy's hand and squeezes it.

Kevin: Thank you.

Lucy: Thank you for wanting me to wait with you.

Kevin: Wouldn't you rather be at the hospital with Scott?

Lucy: No Kevin I wouldn't. Scott is my best friend in the whole world. I do love him but as one loves a brother. Sleeping with him is one of my biggest regrets. The other is not being honest with you.

Kevin smiles.

Kevin: Well since were talking regrets let me say how much I regret sleeping with Eve. She was nothing more then a mid life crises. I regret that almost as much as I do regret walking out on you at our wedding.

Lucy smiles with tears in her eyes.

Just then Victor is hauled in. He is quickly taken into the interrogation room where Garcia is waiting.

Garcia: Victor we have an eye witness to you shooting Mary, and Karen. We have a telephone call between you and Kevin where you confess to killing Courtney, Sebastion, and Chris. We also no you tried to set up Dr. Harmon. Now this can go easy or hard it's up to you.

Victor: I only did what Mary wanted me to do.

Garcia: Mary is dead Victor.

Victor: Only because she turned on me.

Garcia: So did you kill Courtney?

Victor: Mary was so angry at her for coming between her sons, and for hurting Joe. I had to punish her, but I didn't know how. Then I past that Matt Harmon's place, and no one was there. That is when I got inspired. So using all my skills as a spy I snuck in and took a scalpel from that collection he has. I went over to Courtney's secret apartment. She let me right in. I told her how little Mary thought of her, and that she was going to have to pay. She laughed at me. I guess she didn't think I was serious. That’s when I did it. I stabbed her as deeply as I could. Once she was dead for symbolic reasons I cut her heart out. Then I left.

Garcia: How about Sebastion?

Victor: He made Mary so upset. Defending that damn drug. I felt I had to do something. Everyone new that Matt was jealous of him. I also new how symbolic an ice sculpture would be, especially one of a donkey. Anyway I snuck into Sebastion's place and started the sculpture. When he came in I knocked him out put him inside the sculpture and finished it. With Chris Well he insulted Frank and Mary to Mary's face. I had to kill him. So I went over to his place and told him it was time for him to pay. He started laughing at me. I knocked him out and then proceeded to stuff money down his throat. Oh I was thorough, I made sure it went far enough down and that there was enough of it that there was no way he could breath. I put a clip on his nose though just incase. Then I dropped one of Matt's cards that I had snatched when I took the scalpel and I left. Ellen was an unfortunate mistake. Mary hated Karen. She felt that Karen was nothing but trash and wanted her away from Joe. I like symbolicness so I got some speed since I know Karen used to be on it. I paged her and waited. I heard someone coming and figured it was her so I lunged. It was only after I had injected the speed that I realized I had done it to the wrong person. I was so frazzled that I had killed the wrong person that in my haste to leave instead of dropping the syringe in Matt's locker I dropped it in Eve's. I knew Karen had to die or Mary would be upset. So I got one of my guns loaded it and waited at her place. She got in the shower and I watched. When she got out I shot her. Mary walked in just then. And do I get a thank you for all my effort. No I get shock and disgust she was ready to call the cops! So I shot her, she left me no choice.

Garcia: Did you shoot Joe?

Victor: He was going to help Karen. I wanted to show Mary how much I loved her. So I kept Joe from helping Karen by shooting him in the knee. But she was still unhappy. I left then.

Garcia: Did you try and kill Scott.

Victor: He stole Lucy from Kevin. I want Lucy and Kevin back together. and I felt that as long as Scott was around that wouldn't happen. I also figured that would give Serena to Lucy. She'd be happy then and wouldn't have to choose.

Garcia: Why frame Matt Harmon?

Victor: That low life and his brother Bobby killed my son!

Matt shows up at Sharon's door. Sharon opens the door. Matt stairs at her for a minute in awe.

Matt: Sharon you look incredible!

Sharon: Matt how are you?! You look good to.

She wraps her arms around him and they hug.

Her long black hair tickles his nose. Matt then hands her some white roses.

Matt: These are for you.

Sharon: Oh Matt roses! Thank you they are beautiful.

Matt: You put them to shame.

Sharon blushes.

Sharon: You are still as sweet as ever. I remember the last time you gave me flowers it was the day you left.

Matt: I remember I didn't think I'd ever see you again.

Sharon: I didn't think I'd see you again either.

Matt: Well enough sad talk lets get to dinner. Are you hungry?

Sharon: Starved!

Matt: Great lets go.

Sharon: Where are we going?

Matt: A little Italian place called Mario's.

Sharon: Sounds great.

They leave for the restaurant.

Chapter 15

At the restaurant. Matt and Sharon sit across from each other. Matt looks at her with amazement it seems like only yesterday he held her in his arms. He remembers the teary goodbye before the feds took him into the program and how she had begged him to let her come along. But he had wanted her to have a chance at a real life which he never thought he was going to get to have.

Sharon: What are you thinking about?

Matt: Old times. Do you remember are last dinner out at a restaurant?

Sharon: yeah it was the night before you left. I wanted to come with you so badly. We had so many plans.

Matt: I just couldn't endanger you that way.

Sharon: I know but it still hurt. I cried for months.

Matt: So did I, we were only five weeks away from our wedding day when I left. But if you had come with me and something had happened to you, I never would have forgiven myself.

Sharon: I never thought I'd see you again.

Matt: I didn't think I'd see you again either but here we are.

Sharon: Are you with anyone?

Matt sadly looks down.

Matt: I was with a wonderful women who I loved very much but not long ago she was murdered.

Sharon: Oh My God! Matt I'm so sorry. Do the cops know who did it?

Matt: Yeah they just arrested him today. How about you are you with anyone?

Sharon: I was but he wasn't what I thought he was. He was a cop, I met him one night in the ER when he was shot. We dated for about a year but then I found out that he not only had another girlfriend, but a wife as well. So I dumped him. I don't know if the girlfriend dumped him but I know the wife divorced him. From what I here though there marriage was pretty much over anyway. I mean she was working here in Port Charles while he was on the other coast.

Matt: sounds like a real looser.

Sharon: To say the least. I heard through the grape vine that he wrote is wife a letter asking for a divorce.

Matt is taken aback.

Matt: What was this guys name.

Sharon: Jagger well John but everyone called him Jagger. Why?

Matt: Well his ex-wife works at the hospital she's a good friend of mine.

Sharon gasps.

Sharon: Oh my gosh. Well she was smart to divorce him and just so you know I didn't know that he was married or had a girlfriend I thought he was single and when I found out other wise I dumped him.

Matt smiles

Matt: Sharon I know you well enough to know you wouldn't date a married man.

Sharon: So were both single now.

Matt: It looks that way.

He reaches across the table and takes her hand. They smile at each other.

At the police station. Kevin and Lucy are watching through the Glass as Victor is questioned. Kevin is pacing.

Kevin: I just can't believe this is real.

Lucy: I know Victor a killer it's it's just. . .

Kevin: Unthinkable.

Lucy: yes it really is.

Kevin: Lucy I've missed you so much can you ever forgive me for being such a jerk.

Lucy: Oh doc you don't owe me any apologies I'm the one who messed up I'm sorry.

Kevin: But Lucy I've messed up so many times before that and you always forgave me. I had no right not to give you the same unconditional love.

Lucy: Oh doc I don't know or even care who was more right or wrong I just want you back in my arms.

Kevin grabs her and they kiss patiently.

Inside the interrogation room, Garcia is staring at Victor not sure of what to make of what Victor has just said.

Garcia: What do you mean Matt killed your son.

Victor: I did have a son out of wed lock but it wasn't Cooper. When he got older he got involved in some gambling and worked up a debt that he couldn't pay. He met up with Matt and Bobby he thought he could talk his way out of it. But they shot him dead. Matt off because he testified against Bobby. But I swore I would one day make Matt pay for killing my son.

Eve is sitting in the cemetery next to Chris's grave. It is dark and cold and deafeningly silent. But she just can't seem to get herself to move. Suddenly she hears foot steps coming up behind her.

Chapter 16

Eve hears the footsteps behind her, but is transfixed on Chris's grave. Suddenly she feels a hand on her shoulder. Eve stiffens suddenly brought back to life by her company. She quickly turns around and looks up at the visitor. She is surprised at how much this man looks like Chris. He is older and has graying hair and wrinkles but he in Eve's mind is what Chris would have looked like if he had grown old. The man has a very sad yet angry look to his face. Eve stands up quickly.

Eve: So do you often sneak up on women in grave yards?

Man: Only when they were loved so deeply by my son.

Eve gasps as she realizes who she is speaking to.

Eve: Oh my gosh I know who you are, you're. . .

Man: I'm Burt Ramsey, Chris was my oldest son.

He extends his hand to Eve. Eve shakes it, as she fumbles for words.

Eve: It's so nice to meet you. I'm so sorry about Chris, I wish we could have met under better circumstances. Oh I'm sorry I'm. .

Burt smiles.

Burt: I know who you are. You are Eve Lambert my sons true love. That is how he described you when ever we spoke as his true love. He said he knew one day you'd come to love him to.

Eve looks at Chris's grave sadly.

Eve: I did only it was one day to late. I'm sorry is there anything I can do for you?

Burt gets a twinkle in his eye and a devilish grin. Eve knows at once he's some sort of scheme up his sleeve. She has seen that same look on Chris's face so many times and she knows what it means.

Burt: How would you like to help me get even with those who hurt my son?

Eve: Burt I haven't had much in my life. Chris was one of the few good things I ever did have and now he's gone. So what ever I can do to help get back at those who did him wrong I will gladly do.

Burt smiles.

Burt: No wonder my son loved you so. Let me take you to dinner, and we'll discuss are plan.

Arm in arm they leave.

Matt and Sharon are back at her place. They are sitting on the couch.

Sharon: Thank you for a wonderful dinner Matt. I had a great time.

Matt: So did I, I haven't felt this good in a long time.

Sharon: I really was like old times.

Matt and Sharon gaze into each others eyes. Matt rests the palm of his hand against her soft cheek. Sharon holds his hand there and smiles. He looks into her almond shaped eyes and feels that same powerful pull that he felt all those years ago. Sharon leans towards him and kisses him gently. Matt grabs hold of her and pulls her near then he kisses her patiently. Sharon rubs her hands over his strong chest and gazes up into Matt's smiling face. Sharon starts to unbutton his shirt but Matt suddenly stops her.

Matt: Sharon wait. I know we were all most man and wife but it has been a long time. I think before we just jump back into bed together we should get to know one another again. I'm not saying I don't want to believe me Sharon I do but I think it would be better if we waited.

Sharon pulls back clearly disappointed.

Sharon: You always were the sensible one. Your right we just remet today, we need to take this slow.

Matt: How about lunch tomorrow? We could meat over at the recovery room around 12pm?

Sharon: Sounds great.

Matt kisses Sharon lightly on the cheek and leaves.

Garcia looks at Victor and shakes his head.

Garcia: Victor Matt didn't kill your son Bobby did. Matt is the one who helped get your son's killer put behind bars.

Victor: Or so Matt says. Matt was there that night he could have stopped Bobby if he had wanted to! I don't care what he said under oath, I had to deal with the Mancusi's when I was a spy. They are all nothing but a bunch of low life, lying, killing, steeling, backstabbing, cheating, goons! And I won't rest until they all pay.

Garcia: Well your not going to have much of a chance to do anything but rest now Victor. Guard take Mr. Collins here to his cell.

The guard takes a shocked Victor to his cell. Garcia goes out to talk to Kevin and Lucy who are sitting holding hands.

Kevin: Garcia what's going on?

Garcia: I'm sorry Kevin he admitted to everything.

Kevin: This is unbelievable.

Lucy: Did he give any reason for why?

Garcia: He says he felt Mary wanted these people dead. When she found out he was the killer she let him know that she did not want anyone dead. He felt she was turning on him so he killed her.

Kevin: But why frame Matt?

Garcia: He did have a son out of wed lock Kevin. That son was killed by Bobby Mancusi. Victor feels Matt was equally responsible. I tried to explain that Matt wasn't responsible but Victor wouldn't here anything about Matt not being guilty.

Kevin: This is unbelievable.

Lucy: What now?

Garcia: Well he's admitted to the crimes but I'm not so sure he is sane so I think should get two things. A good lawyer and a evaluation to see if he is sane enough to stand trial. I'm sorry, I have work to do.

Garcia walks away. Kevin and Lucy look at each other.

Kevin: I'd call Lee, and Gail for those things but considering he tried to kill Scott and Karen that option is out.

Lucy: Why don't we sleep on it doc it's late.

Kevin: Holding you in my arms all night sounds like the perfect medicine.

Lucy smiles, and arm in arm they leave.

 
It is the next morning Kevin and Lucy are lying in bed all curled up with one another. 

Kevin: We have to figure out what we're going to do about Victor. Calling Lee and Gail is just not an option. 

Lucy: Victor sure made sure of that. So who do we call? 

Kevin: How about Alexis she was a big help when I went off the deep end. 

Lucy: No we can't call her. She is a Cassidine and right now with everything Luke is going through I don't want to be turning to them. 

Kevin: You turned to her for me. 

Lucy: That was different Doc I didn't know she was a Cassidine. And don't forget at that time all the stuff between the Cassidines and the Spencers was in the past. Now it's all in the present. 

Kevin smiles at Lucy. 

Kevin: You are such a good friend. And I suppose it really isn't such a good idea to be indebted to that group. So who do we call? 

Lucy: Well I guess we could have Lee and Gail recommend someone. I mean they are our friends they might be willing to do that much. 

Kevin: Well I guess it's worth a call. 

Eve wakes up in her bed. She feels a little better today. Burt is so much like Chris it eases her pain. They talked for hours last night about Chris and who the people were who had hurt him. Burt was hell bent on revenging his sons death and Eve had told him she would do anything to help. Just then the phone rings. 

Eve: Hello 

Burt: Eve it's Burt. 

Eve: Hi Burt how are you doing this morning? 

Burt: quite good actually. I have a plan. 

Eve: What is it? 

Burt: Well I decided that since Matt and Frank really were only fighting back I'm going to let them off the hook. Revenge against someone who's hurt you is fair play. However Chris did nothing to Victor. So Victor must pay. 

Eve: What did you have in mind? 

Burt: Well I was just reading in the paper that Victor was framing Matt because he felt Matt was responsible for his illegitimate son's death. So now we know that Victor's vulnerable spot is his children. I you ever heard the saying an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Well what do you think about a son for a son. 

Eve nearly drops the phone. 

Eve: You mean kill Kevin?! 

Burt: That's exactly what I mean. Are you with me? 

Joe is at the hospital to pick up Karen. Lee is driving Scott home. 

Karen: I can't believe Victor misunderstood what your mom was saying to such an extent! 

Joe: Well I think the fact is Victor is sick. I warned my mom to be careful around him. 

Karen: I guess so. I still can't believe he did this. And to frame Matt for a reason that wasn't even correct! 

Joe: He is very messed up. 

Karen: So how are you? 

Joe: Actually I'm doing a little better. Frank came over last night and we talked things out and made up. Then we made some funeral plans for mom together. 

Karen: I'm glad you two have made up. It's nice to see even if the circumstances are so bad. So when is the funeral? 

Joe: Tomorrow, Would you like to speak at it? 

Karen: Joe I will definitely be there but I can't speak. Your mom hated me, and it's her funeral. I won't speak out of respect for her. 

Joe: Karen she was wrong to judge you. 

Karen: Joe it doesn’t matter she wouldn't want me speaking at her funeral and out of respect I won't. 

Joe: Okay if you think that is best. 

Joe wraps his arms around her and pulling her close kisses her patiently. 

Matt is going over some files. He is unknowingly humming away. Mike come up to him. 

Mike: Well someone is in a good mood today. 

Matt: What? Oh yeah sorry I guess I am in a pretty good mood. 

Mike: Hey don't apologize I think it's great. So what is the reason for it. 

Matt smiles. 

Matt: Her name is Sharon. Back before I got shot we were engaged. We had been going together for two and a half years. Then I was shot and had to go into the witness protection program. She wanted to come but I wanted her to be safe so we broke it off. She just moved to town Mike she's a doctor and is starting here at GH today. We had dinner last night and it was just like old times. 

Mike smiles. 

Mike: I'm happy for you Matt. But take it slow it's been a long time and people can and do change. 

Matt: Thanks Mike yeah I know and we are taking it slow. 

Mike: Good so when are you going to see her again? 

Matt: We're having lunch today over at the recovery room. 

Chapter 18 
Kevin is just getting off the phone with Gail. Lucy is watching him intently.
Lucy: Well what did she say doc? Did She recommend anyone?
Kevin: As a matter of fact she did. She said that she has a good friend who lives not far from Port Charles. She went to med. school with her. She gave me her name and number, and Lee has a friend who he went to law school with who specializes in these kinds of cases. So I'm going to call them.
Lucy: Wow that was sure nice of them. I'm not sure I'd be able to be that helpful if I was in their shoes.
Kevin smiles and pulls Lucy close yes you would. They kiss.
Just then the phone rings. Lucy picks up the phone.
Lucy: Hello?
Garcia: Lucy It's Garcia. Is Kevin there?
Lucy: Yes just a minute.
She turns to Kevin.
Lucy: Kevin it's Garcia.
Kevin takes the phone.
Kevin: Hello Garcia how may I help you?
Garcia: Kevin it's about your father. He had some sort of breakdown last night. He is completely non responsive. We've taken him to the mental ward at GH.
Kevin: Thank you we'll be right there.
Kevin hangs up and turns to Lucy with a worried look on his face.
Lucy: Uh oh Doc what's wrong?
Kevin: Victor has had some sort of break down they've taken him to GH.
Lucy: Oh no we better get over there.
Kevin and Lucy leave quickly.
 

Joe and Karen come into their apartment. When they open the door and turn on the light they are shocked at what they see. The apartment is filled with balloons and streamers. There is a big banner that says welcome home Karen. And there are tons of party foods laid out. Frank, Lark, and Neil jump out and yell Surprise!!
Frank: Welcome home Karen.
Lark: I'm glad your alright.
Neil: I'm glad your back.
Joe and Karen stare at each other trying to catch their breath.
Karen: Oh my gosh I don't believe this thank you this is so sweet.
Joe: This really is nice of you guys.
Neil runs to his Dad and Joe swings him up in the air.
Joe: Hey buddy how are you doing.
Neil: I'm good.
Karen: When did you have time to put all this together?
Frank: We snuck in this morning after Joe left.
Lark: After everything that has happened we thought that we could all use a good party.
Frank: Speaking of a good party we need some music.
Frank turns on the radio.
 

Matt: Goes into the Recovery room to meet up with Sharon. He orders some soy milk and waits. Not long after Sharon comes rushing in. She spots Matt and smiles, Matt looks up and sees her. He feels his spirits rise and his heart start to pound with excitement as she walks over and sits down.
Sharon: Hi there handsome
Matt: You don't look so bad your self.
Sharon: Thanks. So how is your day going?
Matt: Pretty good although it got a whole lot better when since you walked in.
Sharon smiles.
Sharon: Always the charmer.
Matt: So how about you how is your first day at GH going
Sharon: Very hectic. But I don't mind. I love my work.
Matt smiles.
Matt: Medicine was always what you wanted to do. I always felt it was your first love.
Sharon looks at Matt sweetly.
Sharon: Not my first love maybe my second but not my first.
She reaches over and takes Matt’s hand and kisses it.
Sharon: I only have on first love and that is you.
Matt smiles.
Mike comes out of the back and sees Matt and Sharon he comes over.
Mike: Hey Matt how is it going? And who is this lovely lady here.
Matt: Hey Mike I'm doing good. This is Sharon. Sharon this is my good friend and landlord Mike. He owns this place.
Sharon: It's a pleasure to meet you Mike.
Sharon: It's nice to meet you to. So what can I get the to of you?
Sharon: I'll have an Ice Tea and a veggie sandwich.
Matt: I'll have some steamed Veggies and some brown rice, and some more soy milk.
Mike: Okay coming up.
 

Eve is still sitting on the bed in shock at what Burt has just said.
Burt: Eve are you there?
Eve: A yeah Burt listen I think we need to talk.
Burt: You don't like the idea of killing Kevin?
Eve: Listen Burt I understand that you want to avenge your sons death and believe me I want the same thing. But Chris didn't like violence. He always felt that there were more constructive ways to get back at someone. I think we should take the approach Chris would be happy with since this is for him.
There is a long silence.
Burt: You clearly new Chris very well.
Eve: I like to think I did.
Burt: Well I suppose your right we shouldn't act in a way that Chris wouldn't want and I wouldn't want to get his true love in trouble.
Eve: Why don't you come on over and we'll figure something out.
Burt: I'm already here.
There is a knock on the door. Eve opens it and finds Burt standing there with a cell phone.
Eve: You sure don't waste any time come in please.
Burt comes in.
Burt: Eve I need to ask you a question.
Eve: Okay.
Burt: Did you truly love my son?
Eve: With all my heart. I wish there was a way I could show him and I wish I would have realized it when he was alive.
Burt smiles. Once again Eve is struck by how much he looks like Chris.
Burt: Then I have something for you. Do you have a wash cloth?
Eve gives him a puzzled look at hands him one. He starts to rub is face with it and the painted on wrinkles disappear. Then he removes his wig.
Chris: Hi Eve I'm home.
Eve gasps as she stairs at a very much alive Chris and passes out.

Chapter 19
Chris carries an unconscious Eve over to the couch and lies her on it. He sits next to her and gives her some smelling salt to wake her up. Eve opens her eyes and gasps as her eyes focus on Chris.
Eve: Oh My God Chris! Chris is it really you?! How can this be true Victor killed you I found your body.
Chris: It's really me roomie.
Chris gives her one of his grins that Eve knows so well.
Eve: But how?
Chris: They revived me at the hospital, and since I know that Victor wanted me dead I paid the Doctor there off to say I was dead. They exchanged my body with a body that was already in the morgue and I went off into hiding. I would of told you had I known how much you love me. But when all this happened I thought you were still with Kevin. I was already in hiding when I found out you loved me. But I was afraid to come out of hiding before Victor was caught. And I was also worried that my sources were wrong and you would just laugh in my face. I had to be sure you loved me. So when Victor was caught I disguised myself as my father and came back to see you. I wanted to know for sure that you loved me before I showed myself. All that stuff about killing Kevin that was part of the test. I wanted to see how well you know me. Eve I'm sorry you were so sad. I love you Eve I have for what seems like forever. I want to be with you always. But I don't want to stay here in Port Charles, I've gotten a great job offer in L.A. and there is a position there for you to if you want it. Eve will you marry me and move to LA with me. I want us to have a fresh start.
 

Kevin and Lucy arrive at GH. They go to the mental ward and find Victor's doctor.
Kevin: Dr. O'Brian how is he?
Dr. O'Brian: He is completely non responsive.
Lucy: You can help him right? I mean he has a history of mental problems this is just another flare up right?
O'Brian: Unfortunately I think this is far more serious, then that.
Kevin: Well what can you do for him?
O'Brian: We can watch him closely and give him medicine and hope for the best. Unfortunately that is all we can do at this point. I'm sorry.
Dr. O'Brian leaves. Kevin and Lucy look at each other sadly. They hug tightly.
Kevin: Is it just me or has the world gone mad?
Lucy: I don't know Doc I don't know.
Suddenly Kevin's cell phone rings.
Kevin: Hello
Julie: Kevin it's Julie. I need to speak with you right away, it's important.
Kevin: Julie now really isn't a good time.
Julie: Kevin please it has to do with Victor. I remembered something a little while ago. Please Kevin you're going to want to hear this.
Kevin: Can't you tell me over the phone?
Julie: No Kevin I can't, please come.
Kevin: Okay I'll be there as soon as I can.
Julie: Hurry.
 

Matt and Sharon are finishing up their lunch.
Sharon: This was nice.
Matt: Yeah Mike dose great things with Vegetables.
Sharon laughs.
Sharon: That's not what I meant and you know it.
Matt smiles.
Matt: The company was wonderful.
Sharon: Yes it was.
Sharon looks seriously at Matt.
Sharon: Matt are you really safe? I mean is the danger of your family really gone?
Matt: I think so. Not that my father's word is all that great. But he seemed to mean it when he said he was going to leave me along. And that was over a year ago, and he hasn't tried anything so yeah I'm safe now.
Sharon smiles.
Sharon: Good because there is something I need to tell you.
Matt: What?
Sharon pulls out a picture of a little boy about 10 years of age. She hands it to Matt.
Sharon: That is your son Eric Jr.

Chapter 20
Matt stares at the picture and then back at Sharon. A look of disbelief is on his voice at the words Sharon has said sink in.
Matt: WHAT?! I have a son! When did this happen, why didn't you tell me! Where is he now!
Sharon looks at Matt comely.
Sharon: Matt when I found out that I was pregnant with Eric you had already been in hiding for two months. I didn't have a clue as to where you were. And if I looked for you and found you I was afraid I'd be leading your family right to you. Besides you had made me promise to stay away for my own safety. You were so concerned when you left that your family would come after me. I felt sure you'd want me to keep are child just as safe. And even though I wanted to tell you I did worry about our child's safety. Eric is 10 years old now. He is a great kid. He acts and looks so much like you it's spooky. Right now he is staying at his aunt Linda's till I find a place. He likes it there they have a big back yard and he has his to cousins to play with. The reason I didn't tell you the minute I saw you last night is because I wanted to see if you were truly safe, so that you and Eric meeting wouldn't put him in danger.
Matt: That makes sense and I'm glad you've kept him so safe. But what dose he think of me? Dose he think his father abandoned him.
Sharon: Oh no! Matt I would never let him think that. He knows the truth. That you were in great danger and had to go into hiding or you would've been killed. And that you left us behind so that we would be safe because you love us. He knows that you don't know about him yet, but I've told him that you will certainly love him. I told him this morning on the phone that I probably would tell you at lunch. He is very excited to meat you, and thinks it's way cool that his Dad is a Doctor.
Matt smiles.
Matt: Well I'm excited to meat him to. So when can I meat him? What are his interests? Tell me about him.
Sharon smiles
Sharon: Well he is a huge Star Wars fan, and he loves Star Track. He has just about every poster, action figure and accessory that goes with both.
Matt chuckles. Matt: My son the trekkie.
Sharon laughs.
Sharon: pretty much.
Sharon: He has a great sense of humor and loves to tell jokes. Especially if he sees someone upset. He has a huge heart. If he sees someone crying he will automatically go and try and cheer them up. He is a great student, he got all A's on his last report card. He loves to play video games, and he really enjoys baseball.
Matt: He sounds like a great kid.
Sharon: Oh he is Matt. Actually my sister lives only 20 minutes away from here. Would you like to go meet him now?
Matt: Really I'd love to.
Sharon: Well then lets go.
Matt pays and They leave.
 

Kevin goes into the visiting room to see Julie. Julie is sitting at the table.
Kevin: Julie?
Julie: Kevin I'm glad you came.
Kevin: You said it was urgent, that I come.
Julie: It is urgent when I heard about Victor I remembered something Victor told me.
Kevin: Something about my Father?
Julie: Yes, Kevin last year when Victor was temporarily admitted to the mental hospital the sugar pills he was given were not just sugar pills.
Kevin: What were they?
Julie: Cooper told me that he put some drug in them that would slowly over time cause Victor to go insane and eventually die. That's what caused Victor to do these things Kevin the drug is progressing. If someone doesn’t give him an antidote in the next several weeks he will die.
Kevin gasps in horror.
Kevin: Oh MY God! Do you know anything about the antidote? Where or what it is?
Julie: Kevin I wish I did but I have told you all I know. Cooper didn't even tell me the name of the drug or how much he put in it.
Kevin: Oh My God. I have to get back to the hospital and alert his Doctors so we can start looking for an antidote.
Kevin jumps up and starts to leave. Then he turns back to Julie.
Kevin: Thank you for telling me.
Kevin leaves.
 

Eve is staring at Chris as the proposal sinks in.
Chris: So Eve will you marry me?
Tears fill Eve's eyes.
Eve: Chris when I thought you were dead I was beyond heart sick. I felt like such a fool for having always taken you for granted, and for wasting my time when I could have been by your side. Now I have a second chance and you can bet I'm not going to blow it. Yes ofcourse I'll marry you.
Chris's face lights up.
Chris: Yes you will marry me yes!
Eve: Yes I will I will.
Chris and Eve embrace each other happily. They then begin kissing passionately. Chris carries her over to the bed and laying her across it he places hot kisses everywhere. Eve pulls his body close to hers and they embrace in hot fiery passion.

Chapter 21

Eve and Chris are snuggled together basking in the after glow of making love. Eve looks up at Chris. She sees a sparkle in his eyes she has never seen there before.
Eve: Hey what are you thinking about?
Chris smiles and kisses her.
Chris: Just that this is better then I ever imagined. I can't believe this is real. It all feels like a wonderful dream.
Eve: It really is amazing, Especially if you consider that just this morning I thought I'd never see you again. Chris I've been with alot of men. And some of them I even thought I loved. But Chris I have never felt anything so right, or felt so confident in my feelings as I do right now. I know this is where I belong.
Chris strokes her face and kisses her.
Chris: And this is where I will keep you forever and always.
They kiss.
Eve: So are we getting married her or in L.A.? Chris: It doesn’t matter to me, It's your decision. After all you're the only one who will have guests attending everyone around here hates me.
Eve: What about your family?
Chris: My mom is dead. My Dad and Brother are in Jail. And my sister well I haven't even talked to her in 12 years. I have no idea where she is. But even if I did she wouldn't come. She is mentally ill. Outside of that I have no family.
Eve: Oh Chris I'm sorry.
Chris smiles.
Chris: Don't be I'm a happy guy. I have the women of my dreams at my side a great job awaiting in L.A. and a chance at a fresh start. What more could anyone ask for.
Eve: Well then I think we should wait till after we get to L.A. After all then maybe you'll make some friends there that you can invite.
Chris smiles.
Chris: If that's what you want.
He pulls her close and they kiss passionately.

********
Kevin arrives at Karen's place. He knows it's a long shot that she'll help, but he also knows her abilities to find antidotes. Karen opens the door.
Karen: Hey Kevin come in.
Kevin: Thanks.
Joe: Hey Kevin what brings you bye?
Frank: Want something to drink? We're celebrating Karen's release from the hospital.
Kevin: No thanks. Welcome home Karen it's great to see you in one peace. Can I speak with you for a minute?
Karen: Sure
Lark: Uh I have to get to work.
Frank: Yeah so do I.
Joe: Hey Neil how about if we go outside and play a little ball.
Neil: Cool!
Everyone leaves.
Kevin: Sorry I didn't mean to break up your party.
Karen: Oh that's okay it was pretty much over anyway. Besides as much as I liked it, I thought it was a little strange to have a party the day before Mary's funeral.
Kevin: How are Joe and Frank holding up?
Karen: They seem to be holding it together pretty well. It's especially hard on Joe though. You see Mary and I were both shot critically and he new he could only save one of us. He chose me.
Kevin: I heard about that, how are you?
Karen: Over whelmed. Mary may not have liked me but she didn't deserve to die. I still can't believe it was Victor.
Kevin: Well actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about. He is in the hospital and he is not responding to anything or anyone. I figured it was just a break down. But then Julie called me and insisted I come right away. She said it had something to do with Victor. Apparently last year when my father was temporarily in that mental hospital Cooper managed to give him a slow acting drug. This drug would little by little make him crazy and then kill him. Julie doesn’t know what it was or how much he gave him. All she could tell me is if an antidote isn't found in the next several weeks he will die. Karen I know that you have no reason to help. And I know that it's pretty nervy of me to even ask this. But Karen it's the drug that turned him into a killer, and he will die if something isn't done. You are an incredible Doctor if anyone can find an antidote you can. Please Karen I know I have no right to ask but I'm asking please help save my father.

********
Matt and Sharon have almost reached Linda's house.
Matt: So tell me a little more about him. Dose he like animals? Is he more an indoor or an out door kind of kid?
Sharon: Well he's content with both. He can spend hours in front of an arcade game or playing with is star wars or star track stuff. But he's also a boy scout and loves hiking, biking, and camping. I guess you could say he is the all American boy. He loves animals. He has a dog, and a pet snake.
Matt: A snake!
Sharon: Oh it isn't poisonous. I wouldn't let him have one of those.
Matt: What kind of Dog dose he have?
Sharon: An English Bull dog named Chewbaca.
Matt snickers.
Sharon: His snakes name is Spock.
Matt smiles and shakes his head.
Matt: Dose he know you might be bringing me?
Sharon: He knows he's going to meat you soon, So this won't be to much of a shock.
Matt and Sharon pull into Linda's driveway, and go up to her door. Linda opens the door to them.
Linda: Hi Sharon. Matt Oh my gosh I haven't seen you in years! How are you?
Matt: I'm good thanks how are you?
Linda: Pretty good.
Linda shows them to the living room. She goes to the back door and calls.
Linda: Eric your Mom is here.
She smiles at Matt and Sharon.
Linda: I'll be upstairs if you need anything. Matt you have a great son.
Matt: Thankyou.
Linda leaves, as a small version of Matt comes bounding through the door with his dog at his side.

Chapter 22

Eric Jr. runs to his Mom and gives her a big hug.
Eric: Hey Mom guess what me and Billy were playing frog races with these frogs we found earlier and mine won!
Sharon: That's great sweetie.
Eric then notices Matt.
Eric: Hi I'm Eric.
Matt smiles and shakes Eric's hand.
Matt: I'm Matt it's nice to meat you Eric. Sharon: Eric honey do you remember me telling you how your father lives here, and that I was going to bring him to meet you soon.
Eric's eyes grow wide and he looks at Matt.
Sharon puts a hand on Matt's shoulder.
Sharon: Eric this is your father.
Eric: Your my Dad?
Matt: Yes I am.
Sharon: Eric do you remember I told you how he had to leave before you were born or we could have all been killed. And that when I new it was safe I would bring him to meat you.
Eric: Yes.
Sharon: Well it's safe now.
Eric turns to Matt.
Eric: I'm glad your safe.
Matt: Thankyou. Eric I'd really like to get to know you if that's alright with you. I don't no much about being a father but I'd like to try to be yours.
Eric: Well I've always wanted to have you here. I mean mom is great and all but I always missed not having a Dad.
Matt: Well I'm here now.
Sharon smiles. Sharon: I have to run some errands how about if the two of you hang out and get to know each other.
Matt: That sounds good to me. Eric is that alright with you?
Eric: Sure.
Sharon kisses her men and leaves.
Matt: So I here you like video games.
Eric: Yeah they are so cool! Do you know how to play them?
Matt: Are you kidding I love those things. Why don't you go get your favorites and we'll play some.
Eric: Awesome!
Eric runs to his room to get the games.
Linda comes in.
Linda: Bonding with your son I see.
Matt: I'm trying to. He seems like a great kid.
Linda: He is. I honestly thought we'd never see you again.
Matt: I didn't really think I'd see you two again either. I wish I could have seen him as a baby.
Linda: He was adorable. So are you reconnecting to all of us or just some of us.
Matt: Linda don't start that was one night a very long time ago. It was a big mistake and you know it.
Linda: It certainly didn't seem like a mistake at the time. And lets be honest it happened more then once.
Matt: Well I can see you still have no remorse about sleeping with your sister's boyfriend.
Linda: I would take that tone with me Matt you were just as eager.
Matt: At least I felt guilty about it.
Linda: Yeah guilty enough to keep it up for two months.
Matt: Look what's done is done. What is your point anyway.
Linda: I was just wondering if you wanted to start it up again. We had some great times Matt.
Matt: Linda I have grown alot my only interest now is being with my son, and getting to know Sharon again.
Linda: We'll see, after all you resisted me at first before also. But after a few months you gave in.
Linda smiles and leaves the room as Eric renters.
Matt: Hey Eric ready to play?
Eric: Yeah.
Matt and Eric set the game up together and start to play.

******
Kevin and Karen are sitting on her couch.
Kevin: Karen I know this is alot to ask. But I don't know where else to turn. Victor is my father and I love him. I also know if it wasn't for Cooper none of this would have happened.
Karen: Well I believe in giving second chances, and letting him die wouldn't undo any of what he did. I wasn't willing to turn my back on Julie until she made it clear that she wouldn't let me help her. Okay Kevin I'll help.
Kevin hugs Karen.
Kevin: Karen thankyou so much I can never repay you for this.
Karen smiles.
Karen: You can thank me once I've found an antidote. I better get to the hospital and get to work. Let me tell Joe what's going on and I'll be right over.
Kevin: Thankyou so much Karen I'll see you at the hospital.
Kevin leaves. Karen calls Joe inside.
Joe: What's up?
Karen: Kevin found out what caused Victor to do all this.
Joe: What?
Karen: Apparently last year when Victor was put in the mental hospital temporarily Cooper managed to slip him some slow acting poison. This drug he gave him slowly drives a person crazy and then kills them. If Victor doesn’t get this antidote in the next few weeks he will die. The problem is that know one except Cooper knows what the drug is and how much of it Victor was given.
Joe: And he can't be trusted to tell.
Karen: You got it. Anyway Kevin wants me to help find the antidote since he knows how good I am at that. Joe Victor is a victim here. I know he has done terrible things but if it wasn't for Cooper he never would have done these things. And even if that wasn't true Victor dying won't undo the damage he has done, and we are sworn to save lives Joe.
Joe: In other words you want to help.
Karen: Yes I do, can you except that.
Joe smiles at Karen. Joe: Did you know that your good heart is one of the many things I love about you. I'll do you one better Karen I'll help you find that antidote.
Karen: Oh Joe thankyou.
They hug.
Joe: We'll drop Neil off over at Scott's and go straight to the hospital. Hey Neil you want to go play with Serena?
Neil: Sure.
They leave.

**********
Eve is getting dressed as Chris watches her from the bed.
Chris: Cant you just call in sick?
Eve: I wish, but I have to go in. I'll be back as soon as my shift is over.
Chris: Hey Eve remember don't tell anyone I'm alive.
Eve: I know, but why Chris I mean Victor has been caught.
Chris: I'd rather just let them think I'm dead. Then in a week we'll leave quietly for L.A. And can just start over.
Eve: Okay it's your call. I'll tell them tonight that I'm leaving in a week.
Chris: What reason are you giving? Eve: That I just can't work here anymore that there are to many memories and I need a fresh start.
Chris: Sounds good.
They Kiss and Eve leaves for work.
 
Matt and Eric have finished playing video games and are sitting on the couch talking. 
Eric: Can I ask you a question? 
Matt: you can ask me anything you want. 
Eric: Does it hurt to not be able to move your legs? 
Matt smiles. 
Matt: Only when I fall off the toilet. No it doesn’t hurt at all. In fact I can't feel a thing from my waist down so if I did get hurt I might not even realize it right away. Eric: Mom said it was your brother that hurt you. Do you hate him? 
Matt thinks for a moment. 
Matt: No I was angry at him for a long time but now I just feel sorry for him. He didn't know any other way. We were raised to be killers I just chose to go a different way but Bobby chose to listen to our father and go the way he commanded. 
Eric: Are you going to have to go away again? 
Matt: I plan to stick around here for a very long time. 
Eric: Cool. Hey do you want to see all my boy scout badges? 
Matt: I'd love to. 
Eric: Okay I'll go get them. 

Eric takes off. Linda comes in with some lemonade. She hands a glass to Matt. 
Linda: Nice and tangy just the way you like it. 
Matt: Thanks 
Linda: Do you remember the last time we had lemonade together? 
Matt glares at Linda. 
Matt: No 
Linda just smiles and tries to rustle his hair. Matt pushes her hand away. 
Linda: Sure you remember, you had just come back from that horrible meeting where Bobby had killed that guy. You were so upset and Sharon wasn't home. So I made some lemonade and we walked under the stairs to a little park at sat and talked for awhile then one thing led to another and we made love right there under the stars. 
Matt: What I remember was being scared out of my mind and feeling totally alone. And you seducing me. 
Linda laughs. 
Linda: It takes two to tango. Admit it you wanted me. 
Matt: I will admit no such thing. I know we were together on several occasions but for the most part it was you taking advantage of bad situations. 
Linda: Oh is that why the day before you left, you made a special visit just to see me and made love to me. 
Matt: I don't care what happened in the past. All I care about right now is my son and Sharon and I will not let you mess it up. 
Linda looks darkly at Matt. 
Linda: Don't threaten me Matt I have enough information to bury you. Don't for get the money you gave me to abort your baby. Oh I guess you should know I didn't abort it I gave it up for adoption instead. 
Linda leaves the room quickly as Eric reenters. 

Karen and Joe get to the hospital. 
Joe: So where do we start? 
Karen: Well we will need some of Victor's blood to analyze. 
Joe: Okay I'll go draw it and meet you in the lab. 
He kisses Karen and leaves. 

Karen heads off to the lab. On her way she bumps into Eve. 
Karen: Hi Eve how are you? 
Eve sighs. 
Eve: I'm hanging in there I guess. 
Karen: Is there anything I can do? 
Eve: Well you can wish me good luck. 
Karen: For what? 
Eve: I have decided not to stay in Port Charles I've been offered a great job in LA and I'm taking it. I'll be leaving at the end of the week. I know it's sudden but I really feel It's what I need to do. I've given it alot of thought and it's the right move for me. 
Karen stairs at Eve. 
Karen: Eve are you sure I mean is now a good time for you to be making life changing decisions. 
Eve: Yeah I'm sure it's a great opportunity and I need to get away from all of the memories. I know they will fallow me but at least they won't be quite so real in LA 
Karen: Well then good luck I'm going to miss you. You'll keep in touch right? 
Eve: I'll try and I'll miss you to. 
They hug. 

Kevin and Lucy are standing outside Victors room. 
Lucy: I can't believe Cooper did this to him. I remember when Rex tried to kill me it was so scary. At least Victor doesn’t know what is going on. 
Kevin: Thank God for small favors. 
Lucy: And for big ones. Karen must be a saint. 
Kevin: She certainly has my vote. 
Joe walks up. 
Lucy: Oh hi Joe I'm so sorry about your mom. 
Kevin: She was a nice lady. 
Joe: Thank you Frank and I will miss her. 
Lucy: Is there anything we can do for you? 
Joe: Well actually I'm here to help you. I'm helping Karen find the antidote that will save Victor and we need a sample of his blood. 
Kevin and Lucy look at each other in disbelief. Kevin: Joe I don't know what to say thank you. 
Lucy: To be able to help Victor after all he has done you must be an angel. 
Joe blushes. 
Joe: I'm just doing my job it's no big deal but you're welcome anyway. Now lets get going. 
They go into Victor's room. 
 

Chapter 24 
Matt is sitting on the couch clearly shaken by the bomb Linda has just dropped as Eric comes bounding into the room. Eric: Are you ready to see my boy scout's badges?
Matt shakes himself and focuses on Eric with a smile.
Matt: I sure am. Come over here.
Eric plops down by Matt and they start looking through Eric's awards. A little while later Sharon comes in. She smiles as she watches her men. They are so much alike she thinks. Matt suddenly looks up and sees her.
Matt: Hey there.
Eric: Hi mom.
Sharon: Hi are you two having fun?
Matt: We're having a great time.
Eric: Can Dad stay for dinner please?
Matt: I have a better idea how about if I take you and your mom out to dinner.
Sharon smiles.
Sharon: Sounds good to me.
Eric: Can we go to the Outback?
Matt: Sure.
Sharon: Eric why don't you go wash up and then we'll go.
Eric: Okay mom.
Eric runs upstairs. Sharon smiles as she watches him go, then sits by Matt.
Sharon: I take it all went well?
Matt: It went great he is a terrific kid.
Sharon smiles.
Sharon: That's because he takes after his father.
They kiss. Eric suddenly calls from upstairs.
Eric: Mom can you come here a sec.
Sharon: Coming.

Sharon goes upstairs. Linda comes in as Matt is getting back in his chair. Matt grabs Linda by the arm.
Matt: Just what the hell do you mean you didn't abort the kid!
Linda: What part don't you understand. I had the kid and gave it away. Well actually I sold it.
Matt: YOU WHAT!
Linda: Look Sharon had part of you in Eric and I wanted part of you. But then late in the pregnancy I realized that I didn't want a kid. When he was born I shared a room with this lady whose son had died in childbirth. She wanted a kid real bad. She said it was her only way to keep her rich husband. I told her I didn't want mine. She offered me $50,000 for the kid. So I took the money and she took the kid. By the time her husband arrived home from visiting his parents in Greece his son was alive and well. I think they all moved to Greece then. But Matt just remember if you try and find him Sharon will learn the truth. And she can add. Eric is 10 she saw you 11 years ago. Our son is 8 that means that we saw each other 2 years after Sharon said her last goodbye to you.
Linda leaves the room. Sharon and Eric come.
Sharon: Ready.
Matt: Absolutely lets go.
Eric: Cool and when we get back I'll show you my snake.
Matt smiles
Matt: I look forward to it.
Sharon leans down and whispers to Matt.
Sharon: He wanted to know what your favorite color was so he could where that color.
Sharon and Matt smile at each other.
They leave.

Kevin and Lucy are sitting in Victor's room as he sleeps.
Kevin: Do you think Joe and Karen will be able to help him?
Lucy squeezes Kevin's hand.
Lucy: I'm sure they will do their best doc. Besides they saved me didn't they.
Kevin smiles.
Kevin: Yes they sure did. They are pretty amazing people aren't they.
Lucy: This world would be a better place if there were a few more people like them that's for sure.
Kevin: Lucy I love you so much and I want to be with you forever. Life is to short and crazy to put things off. Once Victor is well lets just elope right away.
Lucy smiles with tears running down her cheeks.
Lucy: Nothing would make me happier. But for now lets keep it our little secret.
They kiss.

Eve arrives back at the hotel. It was hard to pretend all day that she was sad when she has never been happier and to tell people she was leaving. But she did and now she is home. She opens the door and finds a candle lit meal awaiting her. Chris is standing there with roses and a gourmet meal.
Chris walks over hands her the roses, then holds her close in his arms.
Chris: How was your day dream girl.
He kisses her passionately.
Eve: Tiring. Chris not that I'm complaining but how did you get all this stuff up here with out blowing you cover? Chris: My disguise of course. Now how about a toast.
He hands her a glass of wine.
Chris: To new beginnings.
Eve: And true love.
They clink their glasses and drink. Then sit down to a romantic candle light dinner.

A box of papers arrives at the Scanlon house Lark signs for them. She reads who they are for and who they are from. The papers have to do with Courtney's estate. Lark feeling that no one would care and being curious opens the box. Inside she finds all sorts of papers and a diary. She decides to leave it alone and starts to go upstairs. But her curiosity gets the best of her and she goes back and opens the diary. Courtney is dead and everyone hated her who cares if I read it. Lark thinks to her self. She opens it up and starts flipping through. She comes across the date of Neil’s birth.

Dear Diary.
I was so scared. I almost lost John which means I almost lost a fortune today. Joe's kid which I have convinced John was his died at birth. And since he only married me because I was pregnant he would have left me and taken all that cash with him. Luckily John was visiting his parents in Greece so I had time to prepare. I lucked out big time there was this lady in my room who had a healthy son today and didn't want him so I gave her $50,000 for him, then paid off a couple of nurses and Doctors. Now I have a son to show John. I'm so happy I won't loose a dime. And the kid is really cute.
Hugs and Kisses
Courtney.

Chapter 25
Lark stairs dumbly at the diary as the words sink in.
Lark: Oh My God! Neil isn't really Joe's son at.
Stairs at the diary not sure what to do. She finally decides to hide the diary in her room till she figures out the best thing to do. She quickly takes it up stairs. Lark then decides to read more. Reasoning that maybe it will give her more insight to help her make a decision. She begins reading.

Dear Diary.
I really love Neil. That is the boy name John liked. I really don't like it but I want John happy so I can keep all that wonderful money. Anyway the fact that I love Neil is really strange since I never have wanted kids and he isn't really mine. But he has worked his way into my heart and now I never want to be with out him. Before the lady left I got some info from her so that if Neil ever finds out I can pass it off as an adoption. And I can't do that with out some basic info can I now. His Mom's name is Linda, She is studying to be a makeup artist. She 18 years old and her last name is Mefan. The father is pre-med., He is 20 years old. And his name is Eric Mancusi. But Neil won't be able to find him under that name. The guy is in hiding from his own family! He is in the witness protection program. His new name is Matt Harmon. Well hopefully the truth will never come out and I'll never need this info but at least I have it just incase.
Well I better finish packing John, Neil, and I are moving back to Greece. I really don't like John he wasn't even there for me when I gave birth but my Mom always said if you want to make it marry for money not love.
Courtney.

Lark gasps as the reality of the words sinks in.
Lark: Matt is Neil's Father! Oh this is really complicated. I can't figure this out on my own. I need to find someone who can be objective. Someone who has nothing to gain or lose. I know Eve I'll go see her first thing tomorrow.
Lark shoves the diary under her bed. And gets ready for bed.

At the restaurant Sharon, Eric, and Matt are having a blast.
Eric: Hey Dad why didn't the skeleton cross the road?
Matt smiles.
Matt: I don't know why? Eric: Because he didn't have any guts!
Matt: That's pretty good Eric. Hey why did the golfer where to pairs of pants?
Eric: Why?
Matt: Because he got a hole in one.
Eric groans.
Sharon: My two comedians.
Matt: So what do you think Sharon should we take are act on the road?
Sharon: I don't think so.
Matt grabs his chest pretending to be wounded.
Matt: Oh the great ones are never appreciated.
They all laugh. The bill comes and Matt pays. They go get in the car. On the way home the bonding continues.
Matt: Hey Eric you like Star Wars right?
Eric: I love it.
Matt: Well since tomorrow is Saturday how about if I take you to the new Star Wars Movie.
Eric: Really, oh that would be so cool! Mom can I go please please.
Sharon: I don't see why not.
Eric: YES!
Matt: I'll Pick you up around 11:30 so we can get some lunch first.
Matt then looks at Sharon.
Matt: Sharon how about if tomorrow night I take you out.
Sharon smiles.
Sharon: That would be wonderful.
Back at Aunt Linda's Eric and Matt hug good night. Once Eric has gone upstairs Matt pulls Sharon close to him and kisses her passionately. Matt then leans back and gazes into Sharon's eyes. Matt: Thank you.
Sharon smiles.
Sharon: For what?
Matt: For coming back into my life. For having my son. For everything.
Sharon kisses him.
Sharon: I'm staying here tonight why don't you stay. The guest bed Is very comfy.
Sharon begins kissing Matt's neck as she used to do when ever she wanted something from him.
Matt lifts her face up, and looks deeply into her eyes.
Matt: Sharon I'd love to but this day has been pretty big. I think it would be better if we called it a night.
Sharon sighs.
Sharon: Okay.
Linda walks in.
Linda: Since Sharon drove you over here I'd be happy to give you a lift home.
Sharon: Thanks Linda.
Sharon kisses Matt.
Sharon: Till tomorrow sweetheart.
Matt: Till tomorrow sweetness.
Sharon goes up stairs, and Matt and Linda go to the car.
The ride home is quite for a bit.
Matt: Do you know anything about the family you gave our kid to?
Linda: What do you care you wanted me to have an abortion.
Matt: I care because he is my son and I have no idea if he is okay!
Linda: The father's name was John. He was from this extremely rich and powerful Greek family. I don't think he really had to work. The Mom was a party coordinator or at least she was before she married. I think her name was Courtney. They moved back to Greece right after the kid was born.
Matt stairs at Linda in stunned disbelief.
Matt: Was their last name Kanelos?
Linda: I think so why? Do you know them? Matt stair out the window in shock.
Matt: You could say that.
Linda pulls into Matt's driveway at this moment. Matt hurriedly gets out.
Linda: Matt if you try and find him, I swear I will tell Sharon everything.
Linda screeches out of the driveway.

Back in the lab Joe and Karen are working feverishly to find an antidote.
Karen: Joe maybe you should go home and get some rest. Tomorrow is your mother's funeral after all.
Joe: Karen I'm fine. Besides I don't have to be well rested to grieve. Karen: So are you having any luck?
Joe: Actually I have been able to isolate a bunch of the components.
Karen: Same here it looks like we are on are way.
Joe: I'm glad.
Karen smiles.
Karen: You most be an angel.
Joe: Before Victor went crazy he brought my Mom more happiness then she'd ever had. I know this is what she'd want me to do.
Karen: I love you.
Joe: I love you to.
Joe takes her in his arms and they kiss.

Frank is in bed half sleeping when the phone rings.
Frank: Hello.
Dr.Rodregus: Is this Frank Scanlon?
Frank: Yes it is.
Dr. Rodregus: This is Doctor Rodregis from the mental hospital.
Frank sits straight up.
Frank: What's going on?
Dr. Rodregus: Well Julie managed to fool all of us. She really is pregnant. She stuffed a pillow in her shirt to make us think she was making it up. But she is having a baby. The reason I'm calling is because she is in Labor. We are transporting her to GH, and as the child’s father we thought you'd want to know.
Frank is floored.
Frank: She's pregnant, and in labor! I'm on my way.
Frank jumps out of bed dresses and runs to his car and heads for the hospital.

Chapter 26
It is early morning Frank is pacing in the hospital waiting area. He has been there all night. He had wanted to be in the delivery room with Julie but she was so angry that the doctors had asked him to wait outside. She was cursing and yelling and threatening Frank wished he could believe that it was just the labor making her act that way but he knew better. The doctors had finally had to sedate her completely and perform a c section in order to get the baby out safely. Frank is feeling very scared when a nurse comes towards him carrying a small bundle in her arms.

Nurse: Mr. Scanlon.

Frank: Yes

Nurse: Congratulations you have a healthy baby girl.

The nurse hands the baby to Frank. Frank stairs down at the little sleeping bundle in his arms. Frank gets tears in his eyes.

Frank: She's beautiful. She very tiny she doesn’t have low birth weight dose she?

The nurse smiles.

Nurse: No she's fine. She is a little on the small side but it's still in the normal range. She ways 6 pounds and 7 ounces and is 17 inches long.

Frank: How is Julie?

Nurse: She's fine. She is still in recovery as soon as she is able to be moved she will be sent back to the mental institution.

Frank sighs.

Frank: I suppose that is best. It would only make it harder for her to say goodbye to the baby if she saw it first.

The nurse nods.

Nurse: I'll give you some time alone with your daughter now.

She leaves. Frank sits down on the couch with his little girl. She opens her eyes and smiles up at him. Frank offers her his finger and she takes it happily.

Frank: Well hello there I'm your daddy.

The baby gurgles.

Frank: What am I going to do? You need so much and I am so unprepared. Oh little one I can't promise you alot but what I can promise you is that I will always love you.

Frank kisses her on the head.

Frank: I guess I need to pick a name for you first off.

Frank looks down at her little face. She has his mouth and his chin, She has Julie's eyes and Julie's nose. She has dark brown hair like Franks but it is curly like Julie's.

Frank: Oh baby you are such a lovely combo of your mommy and I. I just hope you turn out better then we did. Hope hmm that sounds pretty Hope Scanlon what do you think do you like that?

The baby gurgles.

Frank: I'll take that as a yes. Now for a middle name.

Frank thinks of all the trouble he has caused Karen, while she has been nothing but a true friend to him. He thinks about the fact that he would like his daughter to grow up to be like her.

Frank: Karen that's it your name will be Hope Karen Scanlon.

Hope giggles.

Frank snuggles her close. I love you Hope.

*******

At the hotel Chris and Eve are snuggling in bed as the sun shines through the windows. Chris opens his eyes and looks at Eve all wrapped in his arms. He brushes her hair out of her face and kisses her lightly. Eve opens her eyes.

Chris: Good morning beautiful. How is the love of my life?

Eve smiles and kisses him.

Eve: Great but the love of your life could have used a bit more sleep.

Chris: I guess I'm jealous of your dreams I want you all to myself.

Eve: Well how about dreaming about me so a girl can get some sleep.

Eve tosses his hair jokingly.

Chris: Oh Eve the sweetest dream would never do, I'd miss you babe and I don't want to miss a thing.

He pulls her close and they kiss passionately. The phone suddenly rings. They both moan. Eve grabs it.

Eve: Hello this better be important.

Lark: Hi Eve it's Lark I'm sorry to bother you I know it's early but I have a big problem and I was hoping you could help me decide what to do. I would have called later but I'm going to be busy today with Mary's funeral.

Eve can here the distress in Larks voice.

Eve: Hey Lark no problem listen come right over to the hotel I'll meat you in the lobby and we'll get some breakfast and talk.

Lark: Oh Eve thank you so much. I'll be right there.

Eve hangs up and jumps out of bed.

Chris: Oh now what I have to share you with a troubled teen.

Eve: Chris she really sounds like there is something big going on. There aren't many people she can turn to or would even want to turn to. One thing I know about Lark if she asks for help you can bet your life it's big. Besides in 4 days we're off to LA and you'll have me all to yourself.

Eve finishes dressing.

Chris: I can't wait for that. But Eve I have a problem to.

Eve smiles.

Eve: What is it?

Chris: I have this uncontrollable addiction to you.

Eve laughs.

Eve: Well considering I'm going to be your wife you better be addicted to me. Here hold this till I get back.

She throws her nightgown at him. Chris clutches it to his face smelling in her scent jokingly.

*******

Matt is lying in his bed staring at the ceiling. He hasn't slept all night. He can't believe Neil is his son.

Matt: What the hell am I going to do?

Matt sighs.

Matt: Nothing that's what absolutely nothing. Neil has had a horribly rough life. Joe is a good man and a good father. I should just leave it be. To many people could get hurt if I don't.

Linda and Sharon are sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee.

Linda: So I take it that things with you and Matt are as good as they were before?

Sharon: We're getting there but he is taking things slow. His girlfriend was murdered not long ago and he is still grieving a little. He wants us to get to know each other again.

Linda: So will you be telling him the truth anytime soon?

Sharon narrows her eyes.

Sharon: And what truth would that be?

Linda: Oh just that thing involving his brother. You know what I mean.

Sharon gets up from the table.

Sharon: Watch it Linda I know a few things about you as well.

Sharon goes upstairs.

********

Joe and Karen are near an antidote in the lab. A nurse has brought them Victors latest vitals.

Joe: Well we clearly have some time left not much but enough.

Karen: It's a good thing to because we need to get home and get ready for the funeral.

Joe: Yeah you're right. But first I want to check in on my new niece.

Karen: I can't believe Julie was really pregnant.

Joe: I know it really is a shock. After the funeral if you can spare me for a few hours I'm going to offer to help Frank go get some baby necessities.

Karen: Not at all go definitely.

Karen smiles.

Joe: what?

Karen: It's just nice to see the two of you close again.

Joe: Well it is nothing short of a miracle I'll tell you that.

Karen: Here is to miracles.

They kiss and hand in hand go to meet Joe's niece.

When they get to the nursery Frank is rocking his little girl and singing to her.

Joe: Hey there Dad.

Frank: Hey guys come in.

Joe and Karen walk over to Frank and the baby.

Karen: Oh she is so pretty.

Frank: She is isn't she.

Joe: Hey Frank I was thinking after mom's funeral how about if we go get baby supplies together.

Frank smiles

Frank: that would be nice. I certainly need baby supplies.

Karen: Have you chosen a name?

Frank: Yes as a matter a fact I have. Her first name is Hope as in Hope for the future. And her middle name is well Karen you have been such a great friend to me and you are the kind of lady I'd like my little girl to grow up to be like so if you approve her middle name is Karen.

Karen has tears in her eyes.

Karen: Oh Frank that is so sweet. Of course I approve I love both names.

Joe: Hope Karen Scanlon. I like it. It suits her.

Karen: How is Julie?

Frank sighs.

Frank: Angrier then ever. The doctors finally had to sedate her and do a c section just to keep everyone safe.

Karen shakes her head sadly.

Joe: I'm sorry Frank I know you still have hope she'll recover.

Frank: Well I'm giving up on that slowly but surely.

Karen: Where is she now?

Frank: Well If she's out of recovery then she's being transported back to Ferncliff. It's harsh but it's probably for the best.

Karen: Probably.

********

At the hotel restaurant Eve and Lark have just sat down.

Eve: So what is wrong?

Lark: A box containing Courtney's estate was delivered to the house last night. I was curious so I started going through it. I know I shouldn't have but I did. Anyway I found a diary of Courtney's and I read a bit of it. In it I found a shocking secret.

Lark gives Eve the diary and shows her the entries.

Eve: Oh My God! Matt is Neil's father!

Lark: My thoughts exactly what should I do?

Eve thinks for a minute.

Eve: Show Matt these entries he has a right to know, and he is a good man so he will only do what is best for everyone. Once you have shown him I want you to forget you ever found this Lark it could hurt alot of people.

Lark: I know it could that's why I didn't know what to do. So I should tell Matt and then forget about it.

Eve: Yes definitely, Matt will do what he feels is best for everyone. Tell him but no one else.

Lark: Okay Eve thanks that really helps.

Eve smiles.

Eve: You're welcome I'm glad I could help.

Lark looks at her watch.

Lark: If I hurry I can tell Matt before I go to the funeral.

Eve: Then go the sooner you tell Matt the sooner you can forget about it.

Lark thanks Eve again hugs her and leaves for Matt's.

*******8

Matt is finishing getting ready to take Eric to the movie. The phone rings.

Matt: Hello.

Sharon: Good morning big guy.

Matt: Hey there sweetie.

Sharon: So where are you taking me tonight?

Matt: You will just have to wait and see.

Sharon: You always did love to surprise me.

Matt: You always loved my surprises.

Sharon: Well what's not to love.

Matt: So what are you up to?

Sharon: Oh just trying to stop are son from climbing the walls. He is so excited about going to lunch and a movie with his Dad, never mind that it's a Star Wars movie.

Matt laughs.

Matt: Well tell him I'll be there soon.

Sharon can you come a few minutes early he wants to show you his snake.

Matt: I'll be there. Hey Sharon do you still not like snakes I know you used to be terrified of them.

Sharon: Well I've learned to deal with it. I still don't like them but it's part of having a son I guess.

Sharon laughs.

Matt: Well I was thinking since I'm intending on spending more and more time with Eric maybe he'd like to keep his snake and some of his other stuff over here. I want him to feel that he has a place with me.

Sharon: Oh Matt that is so nice and I'm sure he'd love it. I'll talk to him about it and maybe after the movie you guys can go through some of his stuff together and decide what will be at your place.

Matt: Sounds good to me. Well I better go now. See you later beautiful.

Sharon: See you later handsome.

They hang up, just as they do the door bell rings. Matt opens it to find a very stressed out looking Lark.

 
Matt is surprised to say the least to see Lark of all people standing on his front step. 

Matt: Oh hi Lark, can I help you with something? 

Lark: I'm sorry to bother you but I really need to speak with you Matt. 

Matt: Well can it possibly wait I was just on my way out. 

Lark: Matt it's very important, I've learned a secret that could drastically affect the lives of several people one of which is you. 

Matt sees the urgency in Lark's eyes and hears it in her voice. 

Matt: Come in. 

Matt holds the door open for her, Lark comes hurriedly in. 

Lark: I won't stay long but I felt you needed to know what I've learned. 

Matt: Okay would you like something to drink while you tell me? You look a little shaky maybe you should sit down. 

Lark smiles grateful for his kindness, and sits on his couch. 

Lark: A glass of water would be great. 

Matt gets her the glass of water. 

Matt: So what's up? 

Lark: Last night a box of things belonging to Courtney arrived at the house. It was her estate, and I was curious. In hindsight I wish I hadn't been. Well anyway I figured everyone hated Courtney and she is dead so who would care if I read her diary. I wish now that I'd never read it for what I found is shocking. At first I thought about keeping it to myself and just forgetting about it since it could disrupt my family's life as well as yours. But I kept feeling that you had a right to know and that it wasn't fair of me to just keep it to myself. So I went to Eve and explained the situation. Eve is like a big sister to me and I trust her judgement on things greatly. Anyway she said that I should tell you, because you would only do what was best for everyone involved and after I tell you that I should forget I ever read it. So Matt here it is. 

Lark hands the diary to Matt and shows him the entries. Matt reads them over carefully. He is rather shocked that Lark learned this secret. Matt looks up at her seriously. 

Matt: First off Lark thank you for telling me you're right I do have a right to know. Actually I already knew about this, I learned about it from Neil's real mother Linda not very long ago. 

Lark: Have you decided what you are going to do? Neil is so attached to Joe. 

Matt smiles at Larks concern. 

Matt: Which is one of the main reasons I have decided to do nothing. Joe is a good man and a good father. I know Neil is receiving a good upbringing with him. Neil has had to deal with his parents divorce, cancer, His father being murdered, learning his father isn't his father, adjusting to his real father or at least so he thought, and then his Mother being murdered. To tell him this after all he has been through when he has a good home would just be cruel. There is absolutely no reason to Neil is happy, and well taken care of. And Joe is a very good friend. Joe loves Neil and this would break his heart, I'd never do that to a friend. Especially one as good as Joe. 

Lark smiles. 

Matt: But Lark you have got to swear to me that you will never breath a word of this to anyone. Do you understand no one is to ever know a thing about this it could hurt so many. 

Lark: Oh Matt I have know intention of ever telling anyone. I'm looking forward to forgetting all about this. 

Matt: Good. 

Lark blushes 

Lark: I'm sorry I bothered you. 

Matt: Oh know don't be you had no way of knowing that I new. You did the right thing. 

Lark smiles with appreciation. 

Lark: Thanks, well I'd better be going now good bye. 

Matt shows her to the door. 

Matt: Goodbye. 

After she goes Matt grabs his car keys and heads off to get Eric. When Matt arrives Eric is waiting outside practically jumping out of his skin. 

Matt: Hey Eric how you're doing buddy! 

Eric: I'm great! Lets go lets go! 

Matt laughs. 

Matt: Lets say goodbye to your mom first. 

Sharon is standing at the door smiling at the scene. 

Sharon: I think that's a good Idea. 

Eric races back to his mom gives her a hug and a quick peck on the cheek. 

Eric: Can we go now! 

Matt: Go to the car and I'll meat you there. 

Eric runs off. 

Matt looks at Sharon. 

Matt: Hi there. 

Sharon: Hi. 

Sharon and Matt kiss. 

Matt: I'll pick you up at 6:30. 

Sharon: Sounds good, I'll be back at the hotel tonight. 

Matt: I'm looking forward to it. 

Sharon: So am I. 

They hug. 

Matt: Well I should get going before Eric goes completely nuts. 

Sharon laughs. 

Sharon: Yeah you better. 

Matt: I'll have him back by late afternoon. 

Sharon: That's fine Linda will be here to watch him. I'll probably already be back at the hotel. Oh and he loved the idea of keeping some things at your place. 

Matt: Okay will sort through it when I bring him back. 

Matt kisses Sharon's hand. 

Matt: Till tonight. 

He leaves, Sharon watches him happily. 

At the hospital Kevin and Lucy are still watching over Victor. 

Kevin: Mary's funeral will be starting soon. Do you think we should go? 

Lucy: I don't know. I mean Victor was her husband and Frank and Joe are our friends but. 

Kevin: But Victor is the one that killed her. 

Lucy: But Joe is trying to save his life and fully understands that it was the drug that cooper gave him and not Victor himself. 

Kevin: But it still might be strange. I mean other people there might not be as forgiving or understanding as Joe. They might be mad if we were there. 

Lucy: People like Joe and Karen certainly don't come along everyday. 

Kevin: But it could seem just as wrong if we don't go, but I really don't want to leave Victor in this condition. 

Lucy: Oh Doc maybe that's the answer! 

Kevin: What is? 

Lucy: You stay here with Victor and I'll go. That way we pay are respects and show Joe and Mary's other loved ones how sorry we are but we don't make them as uncomfortable because I'm not blood related to Victor. 

Kevin: A sign of support with out causing waves I love it! 

Lucy: Well in that case I'd better go or I'm going to be late. 

They kiss goodbye. 

Kevin: Hurry back. 

Lucy: Always my doc. 

At the funeral home Joe, Karen, Neil, and Lark are already there. Karen, Lark, and Neil are making last minute checks on the flowers, and parts of the serves. Frank and Joe are standing inside looking into the room with the coffin. 

Frank: I can't believe she's gone. 

Joe: It doesn’t seem possible. 

Frank: What's life with out Mom in it. She has always been there. 

Joe: It won't be the same that's for sure. 

Frank: No more grocery delivery's, no more house cleanings. 

Joe: No more meddling. 

They laugh slightly. 

Frank: Oh life is so twisted. When you become a parent it's supposed to be expected and joyous. Not unexpected and full of stress and worry. When you loose a parent it's supposed to be expected. You see them grow old and get sick and not able to care for themselves. It's not supposed to happen like this. They aren't supposed to be happy and healthy one second and dead the next thanks to a crazy person. I'm a father but I still need my mom. Who am I supposed to go to when I have questions about Hope? 

Frank starts crying, and Joe feels the intense guilt he has been feeling swell up once more. Joe hugs Frank. 

Joe: I know Frank I know. But you are going to be a great Dad. Okay you've made some mistakes but you're getting back on track now. There is no reason to think that you won't be a good parent to Hope. 

Frank rubs his eyes. 

Frank: I hope you're right for her sake I hope you're right. 

Eve is dashing around the hotel room. 

Eve: I'm going to be late I'm going to be late! 

Chris: So don't go. 

Eve: Chris I have to go to Mary's funeral. Karen and Joe are my friends and Mary has always been nice to me. 

Chris: I can't wait to get you to LA so I don't have to share you anymore. 

Eve laughs. 

Eve: Well I'll probably make friends there to. Besides if you didn't want everyone to think you were dead you could come with me. 

Chris: No way! I want a fresh start they can know I'm alive when we invite your friends to our wedding but not before. 

Eve: Alright alright don't get so worked up about it. 

Chris: So what did Lark want? 

Eve: Oh she just had a problem she wanted advice on. 

Chris: But why come to you she has a family now? 

Eve: Because I'm like a sister to her and she felt more comfortable coming to me with this. Now I have to go I'll be back in a while. 

Chris pulls her in close and they kiss passionately. Then Eve runs out the door. 

Chapter 28
It is late after noon. Most of the guests have left the reception at the Scanlon house. Eve is getting ready to go. 

Joe: Thank you for coming. 

Eve: Your mother was always kind to me I felt I should. Joe I am so sorry for you loss. 

Joe: Well hey it was my decision right. 

Joe stairs at the ground clearly in pain. 

Eve: Joe it's not your fault. 

Joe: Eve both Karen and my Mom were shot I knew I could only treat one of them. I also knew who ever I didn't treat would die. I might as well have put the bullet in her myself. 

Eve: Joe if you had treated Mary Karen would have died, would you rather be dealing with that? 

Joe: No. 

Eve: Then stop beating up on yourself. You were put in a horrible position and had to make a split second decision what were you supposed to do. 

Joe: What I wasn't supposed to do is just think about myself. Eve I made that decision based solely on my own feelings. I based it on who I could live with out more. Did I think about Frank, Or about his little girl? 

NO, I thought about myself! 

Eve: Joe wait a second at the time you didn't know Frank was going to have a little girl. And you and Frank weren't even talking. 

Joe: She was still his mother, regardless of how I was feeling towards him at the time She was still his as well. And he needs her alot more then I do especially now. But did I think about that no I thought about the fact that Karen is the love of my life. 

Eve: Okay Joe maybe you didn't take everyone into consideration. But Joe you didn't have time to. If you had just sat there going over all this they both would have died. And I'd be willing to bet money that you'd be saying a similar thing to me had you saved your mom and let Karen die. 

Joe: I guess so. 

Eve: Joe you had to make a split second decision that in reality would have few winners either way. But don't forget by saving Karen you gave Scott his Daughter and Serena her sister. As well as Lee and Gail their granddaughter. 

Joe: I know Eve and don't get me wrong I'm glad she's alive she is my world. But I look at all these sad faces and especially Franks and I can't help feeling guilty. 

Eve: Would you feel less guilty if the Baldwins for sitting around crying? Because Joe that is the only other way this could really have gone. 

Joe: I probably feel just as bad. 

Eve: Joe we all have to make hard choices in life and yes there are always other choices we could have made but once we've made them there is no sense in looking back. 

Joe: I guess so. thanks Eve. 

Eve: I should go now. Joe are you going to be okay? 

Joe: Yeah sure I will. 

Frank walks up. 

Frank: Hey Joe if we want to get any of Hope's shopping done today we'd better get going it's getting late. 

Joe looks at his watch. 

Joe: You're right okay let me say bye to Karen and we can go. 

Karen comes up just then. 

Karen: Hey you two how are you guys holding up. 

Joe: I'm alright. 

Frank: If I don't think about it I'm fine. 

Karen: I'm so sorry. Listen I need to get back to the lab. Lucy is going to drive me over. 

Joe: That's fine Frank and I were just about to go shopping for baby supplies. 

Lucy comes over. 

Lucy: Joe, Frank I want you two to know how truly sorry both Kevin and I are for your loss. Mary was a good lady. If there is anything either one of us can do please let us know. 

Joe: Thank you Lucy that means alot. 

Frank: Thank you for coming. 

Everyone starts to leave. Eve grabs Karen's arm as they are all walking out the door and whispers to her. 

Eve: Keep and eye on Joe he is really in a bad way. 

Karen looks at Eve and sees the intensity in her eyes and nods. 

Back at Matt's place he has just come back from his day with his son. Matt his smiling and humming. He has a tun of stuff Eric chose to keep at his place. Toys, books, video games, board games, clothes, academic awards, boy scout awards, posters, CD's and ofcourse his pet snake, along with a turtle he found early this morning. Matt happily unpacks his sons stuff into the guest room. Once everything is set he begins preparing for his big date. A little while later He is on his way to get Sharon. When she opens the door he is speechless. She is wearing the same dress that she wore the night before he went into the witness protection program. It is short, tight, and black. 

Sharon: Hi handsome, what do you say we pick up where we left off? 

Matt finally finds his voice. 

Matt: You look incredible. 

Sharon smiles. 

Sharon: Only the best for you. 

Matt smiles. 

Matt: Well from what I can see the best is certainly you. 

Sharon: So where are we going? 

Matt reaches out and takes her hand. 

Matt: Come with me and you will see. 

They leave hand in hand. Matt takes her to the park, and up to the gazebo. He lays out a guilt retrieves a couple of candles along with a pick nick basket. And sets up a candle light pic nick. He then pulls out a radio small radio and terns it on. Then he looks at Sharon. 

Matt: Do you remember are last candle light picnic? 

Sharon has tears streaming down her face. 

Sharon: Oh Matt the night you proposed to me. 

They sit down on the quilt and Matt opens the basket. Inside he has Caesar salad, fresh bread with and butter, and pasta primavera. Along with a bottle of wine, and Tiramisu for dessert. 

Sharon: Oh Matt what a wonderful surprise! 

Matt: You always said you liked my surprises. 

Sharon: That's because you know just how to do it. 

Matt: Sharon I know you haven't been back in my life for that long but somehow I feel as though you never left. I never thought after Ellen died I'd love again and even if I did it wouldn't be this soon. But you came and I can't explain it but I know I'm in love with you. Maybe it's because I never really stopped loving you in the first place. 

Sharon: I never stopped loving you either Matt. 

Matt leans over and kisses her passionately. Sharon wraps her arms around Matts strong shoulders and holds him tightly to her. Matt places hot kisses hot kisses on her neck. As She rubs her hands over his strong back, and chest. 

Sharon: Oh Matt I want you now! 

Matt gazes deep into her eyes. 

Matt: I want you to Sharon. 

They fall back onto the quilt. 

Matt: Wait wait! we can't do it here. 

Matt and Sharon look at each other. 

Matt: Are you thinking what I'm thinking? 

Sharon: My hotel room NOW! 

They hurriedly get themselves together and leave. 

At the hotel Matt orders another bottle of wine while Sharon is in the bathroom. When the wine arrives he pours it into two glasses. Sharon calls to him. Matt goes into the bathroom and finds Sharon in the tub surrounded by bubbles. 

Sharon: Oh this water is so worm, why don't you join me maybe we can heat it up even more. 

Matt sits the glasses down, tears his clothes off and lowers himself into the tub. Matt pulls Sharon close to him and kisses her with a passion that burns hotter then any fire. They fall back into the bubbles their bodies becoming entangled as one. They moan on another’s names as their passion burns out of control. 

Back at the Lab Karen is close to having an antidote. She is fairly sure that by this time tomorrow they will be able to give it to Victor. As she works she can't get Eve's words out of her head. ''Keep an eye on Joe he's in a really bad way.'' She shivers something in her knows that something bad is coming but she has no idea what. 

Chapter 29 
Sunlight pours through Sharon's hotel room window. Matt and Sharon are snuggled up together under the covers there bodies still intertwined from the night of passion. Matt opens his eyes and looks down at Sharon sleeping peacefully in his arms. Matt kisses her eyelids lightly. Sharon opens her eyes and stairs up at him smiling.

Matt: Good morning sweetness.

Sharon: Good morning sweetheart. Oh I thought last night was just a magnificent dream but it's real.

Matt smiles.

Matt: Either that or we're both having the best dreams of our lives.

Sharon: Then I never want either of us to wake up.

Matt: Sounds good to me.

Matt pulls her close and presses his lips to hers. Sharon runs her hands along his back as he pulls her closer and closer. She can feel his heart beat up against her skin. Matt places hot kissed all over her body, Sharon moans his name as there passion reaches explosive levels.

Back in the lab Karen and Joe have been working all night. The antidote is just about ready to be given. Joe is a million miles away.

Karen: Hey Joe what are you thinking about?

Joe: She never failed me Karen. She never asked much of me at all. Just that I be a good person. And for that she loved me unconditionally, with out expecting a thing in return. And the one time the one time she needs me to help her what do I do? I fail her that's what I do!

Karen: Joe you didn't fail her. You had to make an impossible choice and you did the best you could.

Joe: Well that's easy for you to say Karen considering you're the one I saved! Meanwhile my brother who needs mom now more then he ever has is with out her, my niece as well as my son are with out their grandmother, and I'm trying to save the SOB who shot her!

Joe runs out of the lab slamming the door behind him.

Karen: Joe wait!

Karen starts to cry.

Lark and Frank are in the nursery looking at Hope.

Lark: She is so pretty.

Frank: She really is.

Lark: Is she supposed to be that tiny? I mean I know that babies are small and all but she really dose look extra small.

Frank: Well Julie didn't have any prenatal care. She is a little on the small side but it still is with in the range of normal.

Lark: When can we bring her home?

Frank: Tomorrow.

Lark: Can I hold her?

Frank: Sure.

Frank places Hope in Larks arms. Lark looks down at her baby sister, She offers Hope her finger and Hope grabs it tightly.

Lark: I there Hope I'm your big sister Lark. So what do you think of this world so far? It can be scary but don't you worry I'm your big sister and I'll always be here for you. I love you.

Lark kisses the top of Hopes little head softly. Frank watches his girls with tears in his eyes. They remind him of how it was with Joe and him when they were young. He gives thanks that there closeness is starting to return and he prays that Lark and Hope never ho through what Joe and him have been through.

Karen goes into Victors room with the antidote. Lucy and Kevin are snuggled up fast asleep in a chair. Karen clears her throat. Kevin and Lucy wake up.

Lucy: Oh Karen good morning.

Kevin: Do you have any news?

Karen nods.

Karen: I have the antidote right here. But do you remember the situation when we gave the antidote to Lucy?

They both nod.

Karen: Well it's a similar story here. We just don't know if this will work but it's his best chance.

Lucy: What are the odds?

Karen: I'd say there is a 30 percent chance that this will work.

Kevin and Lucy look at each other.

Kevin: Well some chance is better then none.

Lucy: I agree doc, okay Karen go for it.

Karen: Alright then.

Karen gives Victor the shot.

Karen: Now we just have to wait and see.

Karen starts to leave.

Kevin: Karen are you alright? I mean I know this is a strange situation but I get the feeling that something else is bothering you.

Karen half smiles.

Karen: It's just been a really rough 24 hours that's all.

Karen leaves.

Chapter 30

It is late in the afternoon. Matt and Sharon are both at the hospital going on there respective rounds. They meat up at the nurses station.

Sharon: Hi there.

Matt: Hi are you having a good day?

Sharon: Yes very busy though. I feel like I've already seen a million patients since I got here today. How about yours?

Matt: Hectic, I have to perform open heart surgery later on today. You look a little tired are you feeling okay?

Sharon: Oh I'm fine I just didn't get alot of sleep last night. This man kept me up almost all night.

Sharon smiles at Matt.

Matt: Oh sounds like a real jerk.

Sharon: Actually he's pretty wonderful.

Sharon kisses Matt.

Sharon: I'll catch you later.

Matt: Bye sunshine.

Sharon: Bye my prince.

Sharon leaves.

Matt watches her go smiling all the while. Eve has been watching from near by as she works.

Eve: Well I'd say somebody’s gotten back on that dating horse.

Matt: What oh Sharon. Yeah she's pretty amazing. Actually we were engaged to be married years ago but then I was sent into the witness protection program. She wanted to come with me but I didn't want to endanger her so we broke it off. I thought I'd never see her again, but then she showed up in town not to long after Ellen died and it's like no time has past at all. I really love her.

Eve: Matt that is nice I'm happy for you.

Matt: There is more, when I left neither of us new but she was pregnant with my son. She didn't know where I was by the time she found out so she couldn't tell me. But I have a 10 year old son named Eric Jr. He is such a great kid Eve I absolutely adore him.

Eve: Wow it sounds like you got an instant family. Speaking of kids Matt Uh did Lark speak with you?

Matt: Yes Eve she told me yesterday, and for everyone’s benefit I want it kept a secret. Neil has been through enough, and Joe is a great Dad. I don't want to cause either of them any pain and that is what this would do. I know he is okay, well cared for, and loved. In my book that's all that counts.

Eve: Something told me you would decide that way.

Matt: So you'll keep it quite? I don't want anyone to ever find out.

Eve: Of course I will Joe and Neil don't need any more pain I agree.

Matt: Thanks Eve. Hey I heard your leaving for LA soon.

Eve: Day after tomorrow.

Matt: We'll miss you.

Eve laughs.

Eve: Yeah you'll miss me like you miss a head ache.

Matt: No really I mean it you make this place fun, and you've been a good friend. Which reminds me I owe you and apology. I should have known better then to accuse you of being the killer, I'm sorry.

Eve: Oh Matt that's so nice of you, I'll miss you to. But you don't owe me an apology I mean the syringe was found in my locker what were you supposed to think.

Matt: Well considering I was being set up, I should have been a little less certain of the evidence. So is there any way I can talk you out of moving?

Eve: No I really need a fresh start, and the job offer is really good.

Matt: Well then good luck.

Eve: Thanks Matt.

They shake hands and Matt goes on his way to tend to his patient.

Karen is walking by the nursery, Frank sees her and comes out.

Frank: Hi Karen.

Karen: Oh hey Frank how is Hope?

Frank: She is absolutely perfect. Lark and her are bonding really well. It reminds me of Joe and I. I'm so glad we're getting close again. So how are you doing, you look worn out.

Karen: I've been up all night working on an antidote for Victor. Joe and I found one but we don't know if it's going to work. We went ahead and gave It to him or rather I did since we were running out of time. Now we just have to wait and see.

Frank: Well Karen you are great at this kind of stuff so I'm betting that it will work.

Karen: Thanks Frank.

Frank: So where is Joe? You said that you gave the antidote to Victor where was he?

Karen sighs.

Frank: Karen what is going on?

Karen: Frank Joe is having alot of guilt over the choice he had to make when Victor shot Mary and I. He is really in a bad way, a while before I gave Victor the antidote Joe blew up in the lab and stormed out I don't know where he is.

Frank sighs.

Frank: I was afraid of this. As soon as I heard about the position he was put in I smelled trouble. Listen Karen don't worry I'll go find him. Just let me tell Lark I'm leaving.

Karen smiles appreciatively at Frank.

Karen: Thank you so much.

Frank: Don't mention it.

Frank lets Lark know he is going and he is on his way.

In a dark seedy bar across town Joe sits alone on a corner stool drinking heavily. He has been here since morning and is now extremely drunk.

Joe: Give me another beer.

Bar Tender: Don't you think you've had enough?

Joe slams down some money on the counter.

Joe: I said give me a beer!

The bar tender shrugs takes the money and gives him another beer.

Joe starts crying as he is drinking.

Joe: You know I had a mother, she was the best only wanted the best for me. And you know what I did I let her die! Now I got my girl friend but my mom is gone, and my brother has to deal with his kids and his crazy girlfriend on his own. Aren't I a great guy!

Joe laughs crazily.

The bar tender raises his eye brow.

Joe: Oh and guess what the girl I love is saving the man that killed her! Well you know what I lied I don't like it, she shouldn't be saving that man! I let my mom die for her! I loved my mom I really did now everyone thinks I didn't! My mom is dead and it's all my fault! But how do you make a choice like that, I did the best I could dam it! What was I supposed to do let my girl friend die! I guess it would have been better for Frank and Hope if I had. I'm out of here I have stuff to do.

Joe Stumbles out the door falling down several times. He gets in his car and starts swerving wildly all over the road. A cop sees this and pull him over. As the cop approaches the car he smells the alcohol.

Cop: Excuse me sir are you aware that you were swerving all over the road.

Joe: Yeah and what the hell is it to you!

Cop: Sir can you please step out of the car.

Joe: Why should I!

Cop: Sir I'm going to have to ask you to take a test to see if you're drunk.

Joe laughs and falls out of the car. He stand up shakily.

Joe: If you want to take me in for something why don't you take me in for letting my mom die!

Cop: Sir if you don't cooperate I'm going to have to take you in.

Joe slugs the cop. The cop cuffs him and puts him in the back of his patrol car and takes him in.

Back at the hospital Lucy and Kevin are watching over Victor. He starts to stir.

Kevin: Victor, Victor open your eyes.

Victor opens his eyes.

Lucy: Hi Victor welcome back, can you talk?

Victor: Lucy? Monk? Where am I?

Chapter 31 
Kevin, and Lucy stand by Victor as he comes more to.

Victor: Where am I? Lucy, Monk why do you both look so worried.

Kevin: I'll get a nurse.

Kevin runs and gets a nurse. She comes in and checks his vitals as Lucy talks to him.

Lucy: Victor everything is going to be okay. You are in the hospital, and you've been very ill.

Nurse: Vitals are fine.

Kevin: Will you please inform Doctor Wexler that he's awake.

The nurse nods her head and leaves.

Victor: Did my illness act up again? Where is Mary? Oh I was afraid when I married her something like this would happen.

Kevin and Lucy look at each other with concern.

Kevin: Victor what do you remember last?

Victor: Well I was sitting at home and Mary came storming in all upset. She was very distraught because it had just been discovered that Frank and Courtney had been behind all of Joe and Karen's problems. But then I'm not sure everything gets real hazy. I don't really remember much after that except I think Mary was upset alot. What has happened Monk? Where is Mary?

Lucy: Victor do you remember hearing about how I was poisoned?

Victor: Yes.

Lucy: Well apparently when you went under cover at the mental institution Cooper managed to poison you with a slow acting poison. We just were able to give you the antidote a little while ago and you are going to be fine. However the drug made you do some terrible things.

Victor: Oh God what did I do?!

Kevin: Victor we can sort through all of it later. The fact that you can't remember tells me you are not ready to deal with it yet. We have a great Doctor lined up who will help you with it. Right now I think you should get some rest.

He hands Victor the sleeping pills the nurse has left and Victor dozes off. As he is falling asleep he whispers to Lucy and Monk.

Victor: Tell Mary what ever it is we can work it out.

Victor is then fast asleep.

Kevin and Lucy look at each other near tears, and embrace tightly.

Lucy: Oh Doc what are we going to do? We can't keep the truth from him for long, it just won't be possible.

Kevin: I know, I guess we'll tell him very gently and hope for the best. But we are going to have help I'll go call the doctor Gail put me in touch with.

Karen pops her head in.

Karen: I hear the antidote worked.

Kevin: It sure did, it turned his condition around he was awake and talking.

Karen: I'm glad to hear it. Dose he remember what he did?

Lucy: No the last thing he remembers is Mary being all upset that Frank and Courtney were behind all the trouble you and Joe were having.

Karen: It's going to be hard on him.

Kevin: I know, well I better go call the Doctor Gail recommended.

Kevin leaves.

Lucy: Hey Karen where is Joe?

Karen: He had some stuff to take care of.

Karen leaves.

Matt comes up to the nurses station looking very pleased with himself.

Sharon is working there.

Sharon: Well you certainly look happy, what's up?

Matt: It's a secret, but if you meat me at Mario's for dinner I'll tell it to you.

Sharon: Why Matt are you bribing me.

Matt: Maybe is it working.

Sharon: I think it might.

They laugh.

Sharon: What time.

Matt: How about 7pm.

Sharon: I'll be there.

Sharon goes off to see a patient. Matt watches her go and then thinks about the little gift he has in his bag for her. He smiles happily and goes on his way.

Joe is in police head quarters still completely drunk. Garcia is trying to talk to him.

Garcia: Joe your alcohol level is almost 4 times the legal limit.

Joe: And I was aiming for 5 times well at least I'm getting up there. You know my father drove his car into a tree! It was an Irish form of suicide! Well Garcia I'm just as big a looser so leave me alone!

Garcia just shakes his head.

Garcia: Why don't you make your phone call.

Joe: And who the hell am I going to call! My Mom is dead my girlfriend is saving the dirtbag who shot her and my brother is getting to know his daughter who is the demon seed of a killer! Besides I don't deserve to get out I'm as guilty as Victor is! So I ain't calling anyone!

Garcia: Do you want us to put you in a cell?

Joe: I couldn't careless!

Garcia: Fine! Officer Rick take Joe here to a cell until he sobers up a bit.

The officer drags Joe off.

Frank is driving around franticly looking for any sign of Joe. He can't find him anywhere and is really starting to get worried. He decides to call Garcia.

Garcia: Hello Detective Alex Garcia here.

Frank: Detective Garcia it's Frank Scanlon here, listen I'm sorry to bother you but I think my brother may be in some kind of trouble. Karen said he stormed off this morning and I've been looking everywhere for him but I can't find him. He has been very depressed and guilt ridden about Moms death so I'm real worried. I know it hasn't been 24 hours but could you please put out and APB on him.

Garcia: I don't need to do that Frank. I know exactly where he is. Joe was picked up earlier for drunken driving is alcohol level was 4 times the legal limit. He is completely belligerent, and doesn’t want to call anyone. He's in lock up right now we were hoping he'd sober up soon and we could get him to call someone. I'm glad you called he really is in bad shape. He is talking about Karen helping Victor about how he is just as responsible for your mothers death and something about your father and Irish form of suicide.

Frank: Thanks Garcia I'll be right there.

Frank hangs up his cell phone and hits the steering wheel.

Frank: DAM IT!

Frank heads over to police headquarters. Garcia shows Frank to Joe's cell after Frank posts bail. Joe is lying on the cot sleeping. Garcia opens the cell.

Garcia: Joe time to wake up you've been sprung.

Joe opens his eyes and sees Frank.

Joe: What the hell are you doing here!

Frank: Well I guess I came to get you out, and to see the latest installment of the Joe Scanlon self destruction show.

Joe: I didn't call you.

Frank: No you didn't I called Garcia to put out an APB on you because I couldn't find you. And Karen and I were getting concerned because of the way you stormed off this morning. I was afraid for you so I called Garcia and he told me you were here.

Joe: Go away!

Frank: No I'm not going away I'm taking you home.

Joe: Oh thanks alot take me back to the place mom died so I can dwell on my choice in the place where I made it!

Frank: Fine I'll take you to the house, but I'm taking you somewhere. Now you can choose the apartment you share with Karen or the house it's up to you but those are you choices.

Joe: I don't want any more dam choices! I'm so sick and tired of it all! Life is so unfair!

Frank: Joe who in the hell said life was supposed to be fair! If life was fair Julie wouldn't have been brainwashed and we'd be together. If life was fair I'd still be an EMT. Life isn't fair and no one ever said it was!

Joe: Fine take me to the apartment!

Joe storms out Frank follows him shaking his head. Frank gets Joe to his apartment and Joe promptly passes out on the couch. Frank calls Karen.

Karen: Hello Dr. Wexler here.

Frank: Karen it's Frank I found Joe.

Karen: Where was he is he alright?!

Frank: He'll be fine. He got drunk big time and then got himself arrested for drunken driving. I brought him back here to the apartment and he's past out now on the couch. He'll sleep it off, probably by the time you get home tonight he'll be sober but cranky because of the hangover. I'm going to leave the Scanlon cure for hang overs in your fridge so you can help him.

Karen: Frank thank you so much.

Frank: Hey I love him to. So how are my girls doing?

Karen: Lark stayed here most of the day. She just left for her shift at Mario's. And Hope well she has one over the hearts of every nurse that has come into the nursery.

Frank laughs.

Frank: That's my girl. Well I'd better go bye.

Karen: Bye Frank thanks again.

They hang up.

Matt comes by humming.

Karen: Hey Matt it's great to see you so happy. Could this mood have anything to do with Sharon and Eric?

Matt blushes

Matt: You heard did you.

Karen: Yes and I'm so happy for you.

Matt: Thanks Karen. This day has been quite good. I did a successful bypass operation today on a young man with three kids. He will now get to see them grow up. And now I have a dinner date with a wonderful women and if things go my way tomorrow I may have a big announcement.

Karen: Oh Matt that is so wonderful.

Matt: Thanks Karen. Hey I here congrats are in order for you as well. You found the antidote that saved Victor.

Karen smiles shyly.

Karen: Well yes I did.

Matt: Well Karen that is great. From what I've heard he is just as big a victim as the rest of us in this mess Cooper made.

Karen: Thanks Matt that means alot coming from you.

Matt: Your welcome.

Matt goes whistling down the hall.

Chapter 32
When Karen arrives home, She is extremely tired both emotionally, as well as physically. Joe is sleeping on the couch covered up with a blanket. Frank is sleeping in a chair. Karen gently pats Frank on the shoulder.

Karen: Frank.

Frank slowly stirs then opens his eyes.

Frank: Oh I Karen I most have fallen asleep.

Karen: That's okay, aren't you supposed to be at the Recovery room?

Frank: I got someone to cover me. I wanted to stay here with Joe until you got home.

Karen smiles.

Karen: I'm sure Joe appreciated that.

Frank: Well I figured it was about time I started acting like a brother again. I want my little girl to grow up to be a good person, and there isn't much chance of that as long as I'm being a first class jerk.

Karen: I don't think you were ever really a jerk as much a person that got a raw deal and then got influenced by a bad person.

Frank smiles.

Frank: An amazing doctor and a spin doctor to boot. Thanks Karen but lets face it I was a total creep. Well I guess I should go now, I'll see you tomorrow when I bring Hope home.

Karen: Okay, can I give you something to eat first?

Frank: No that's alright. Tell Joe I'll call him tomorrow.

Karen: Okay, and Frank thank you.

Frank: No thank you.

Frank leaves.

Karen sits on the edge of the couch watching Joe sleep.

Karen: I love you Joe.

She kisses him lightly and goes to the kitchen to get something to eat.

Eve comes back to the hotel. She comes in and finds Chris asleep infront of the TV Eve smiles and walks over to him. She leans down and kisses him softly. Chris opens his eyes and looks up at her.

Chris: Hey babe.

Chris pulls her down onto his lap and they begin kissing passionately. Chris gets up and carries her to the bed then laying her across it starts planting fiery kisses everywhere as they rip at one another’s clothes. Chris and Eve tumble together as one as the intensity of there passion rises to explosive peeks they cling to one another for dear life un aware of where one ends and the other begins. They cling to one another and stroke each other in ways that ignite there very souls.

Kevin and Lucy are sitting in the waiting area talking.

Kevin: I got in touch with that doctor Gail recommended. Dr. Brainly will be here first thing tomorrow.

Lucy: Good hopefully she'll be able to help him. Kevin what is going to happen legally do you have any idea?

Kevin: Well since he was drugged into insanity and he appears to be sane. And since he has no memory of his actions the court may very easily put him on probation and make him go to counseling and that's it.

Lucy: Well that would be a relief I mean you and I both know that if it wasn't for Cooper Victor never would have done any of this.

Kevin: Isn't it interesting how Cooper made killers out of good people. First Julie and now Victor.

Lucy: I shutter to think of what else that man may have up his sleeve.

Kevin: I know, it's like the terror never ends.

Lucy: Kevin Um I'm not sure how to ask this but. . .

Kevin: But what Lucy?

Lucy: Well Doc remember when you had your breakdown to get your self out of that horrible prison you made everyone believe you were catatonic but you really weren't? Well I was just wondering if well if.

Kevin: If Victor is doing the same thing with this.

Lucy: Well he is a genius.

Kevin: I know and the thought that his memory may actually be intact has crossed my mind. But if the antidote really worked which it appears to have then Victor should be back to his old self. And well I don't think the real Victor would do that especially since he killed Mary. But I'll certainly bring it up to Dr. Brainly tomorrow. On a happier note we have an elopement to plan.

Lucy: And I can't wait. So when do you think we should elope?

Kevin: Tomorrow night 6:30 city hall I'll have Mac and Felicia meet us there.

Lucy: That sounds perfect!

They kiss happily.

Matt and Sharon are at Mario’s.

Matt: You look so beautiful tonight.

Sharon smiles.

Sharon: Thank you you look pretty handsome yourself.

Matt: So did your day get any less hectic?

Sharon: Not really, but it was a good day. There was a car crash and I saved a three year old from paralysis.

Matt: Sharon that's wonderful! I know how great it feels to be able to help a patient.

Sharon: Thanks it did feel great. So how was yours?

Matt: It was great! This 30 year old man came in with severe heart blockage I performed a triple bypass on him and now he gets to watch his kids grow up.

Sharon: Oh Matt that's fantastic! You most feel very proud of yourself.

Matt blushes.

Matt: I did good.

Sharon: You most certainly did.

Sharon excuses herself then from the table to go to the restroom. Matt watches her go and then when she is out of sight he slips something under the napkin on her chair. When Sharon returns she grabs the napkin and sits right down. Then immediately jumps up when she sits on something. She gets up and looks. On the chair is a small velvet box, Sharon’s eyes widen. She looks at Matt. Matt is smiling away.

Matt: Open it.

Sharon carefully opens the box and gasps. There in the little box is a beautiful diamond ring. Matt comes over and takes it and placing it on her hand begins to speak.

Matt: Sharon years ago you were the love of my life. Then we were separated but you were never far from my heart, or my head. Now like a ray of light you have come back into my life and I'm never going to let you go. I love you Sharon and I want you to be my wife. I know this is sudden we've just remet but Sharon life is so short and unpredictable you have to grab it while you can. Sharon will you marry me.

Sharon has tears of utter joy streaming down her cheeks.

Sharon: Oh Matt yes yes!! Of course I'll marry you!

They kiss passionately.
 
The next morning Karen is sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee, when Joe stumbles into the kitchen. He sits down at the kitchen table and rests his head in his hands. 

Joe: Oh my head, my stomach I'm going to be sick. 

Karen gets the remedy Frank made out of the fridge and puts it in front of Joe. 

Karen: Here Frank made this for you. It will get rid of your hangover. 

Joe: Frank? 

Karen: Yes, Frank. After he bailed you out of jail yesterday he brought you back here. You promptly passed out on the couch. Frank made this for you and put it in the fridge, then he called me to let me know you were okay. He stayed here until I got home last night. 

Joe: It's funny isn't it. When I wouldn't lie for him he wanted to hurt me, but now when I've let are mom die just when he needed her the most he wants to help me. 

Karen: Joe he regrets what he did to us very much and he's trying to make amends. Joe do you regret saving me? 

Joe looks at Karen for a minute. 

Joe: I don't regret saving you, but I do regret not being able to save my mom. And I can't help but wonder if I made the choice that was best for everyone. Yes this is best for me. But Karen what about Frank, Hope, Lark and Neil is this best for them. 

Karen: What about Scott, Serena, Gail, and Lee this is best for them as well. 

Joe: I just keep thinking that there should have been a way for me to save both of you. 

Karen: Joe maybe you should talk to a counselor or something. Maybe that would help. 

Joe: Karen I know you're just trying to help, but I don't believe in all that mumbo jumbo. I don't need therapy. 

Karen: Joe you have been so upset and what about yesterday. 

Joe: Karen I've been upset before and I'll probably be upset again. And I've gotten drunk many times. 

Karen: Okay Joe, well I better get to work. 

Joe: So did you save the killer. 

Karen sighs. 

Karen: I saved Victor he has no memory of anything he did. 

Joe: Or he claims not to. I can't believe you helped that butcher. 

Karen: Joe he was poisoned and I'm a doctor I took an oath to save lives we both did. Besides you were all for helping me not long ago what changed? Joe: Maybe I just couldn't take be as saintly as you any more! Maybe I'm not perfect like you! Maybe I think it's pretty rotten that you would even expect me to save the man responsible for my moms death! 

Karen: Joe you offered to help! I didn't force you to! 

Joe jumps up quickly knocking over his chair. 

Joe: Oh that's right Karen nothing is ever your fault is it?! You are perfect so sorry I forgot! You always do the right thing don't you! I'm so sick and tired of doing what I think will make you happy! 

Karen is in tears. 

Karen: What are you talking about?! 

Joe: Has it ever occurred to you Karen that maybe with a killer on the loose you should've gone through the house before you took a shower and made sure everything was okay?! Did it occur to you to lock all the doors behind you?! I'm not going to be alone in this guilt any longer Karen! If you had done those things My Mother might be alive! And now as if that isn't bad enough you save the man who helped kill her! 

Joe goes into the bathroom and slams the door. Karen leaves for work in tears. 

At the Port Charles Hotel Chris and Eve are all snuggled up under the covers. Chris opens his eyes and gazes down at Eve. He lightly kisses her and she opens her eyes and smiles at him. Chris: Good morning sleeping beauty. Eve: Good morning prince charming. 

Chris: So can I really keep you here all day today? Eve: I'm all yours all though I imagine that some friends of mine might stop by to say goodbye. After all I am moving to LA tomorrow. 

Chris: Well I'll just go hide in the bathroom if they do. 

Eve: Sounds like a plan to me. 

They kiss tenderly. 

Eve: You know as much as I love you and I think a fresh start sounds great I am going to miss this town. Chris looks at her surprised. 

Chris: What are you possibly going to miss? 

Eve: Well for starters Lark, and Serena I care alot about those girls. I really want the best in life for both of them. I'm also going to miss Karen. I have alot of respect for her. She and I are similar in alot of ways. She's just done a better job of over coming her past then I have. I'm also going to miss Matt. I know you hate him, but he really is a good man Chris and he is such a positive thinker. You just can't feel down when he's around. 

Chris: Well you'll see them all at our wedding. I can't believe you will miss them. I mean okay Lark and Serena okay they are cute kids. And I can maybe understand Karen. She's somewhat less of a hypocrite then the others. But Matt! Oh gag me please. 

Eve playfully hits Chris. 

Eve: Don't even joke about that. Are you really not going to miss anything? 

Chris: Well I guess I might miss Frank his behavior is always good for a laugh. 

Eve: Chris! You're so bad! 

Chris grins wickedly. 

Chris: You don't know the half of it. 

Chris pulls Eve close to him and kisses her passionately as they roll together as one. 

At the hospital Lark, and Frank are getting ready to bring Hope home. 

Frank: So do we have everything. 

Lark: Well we have a bag of diapers, bottles, formula, blankets, and baby books. Hope has been bathed, dressed, and fed, and we have a tune of other baby supplies at home. I can't imagine we need more. After all you and Joe just about bought out the toy, and baby clothing stores the other day. 

They both laugh. 

Frank: Okay then lets put her in her pumpkin seat and we can go. 

Just then Frank sees a very upset looking Karen walk by. 

Frank: Lark I'm going to go talk to Karen for a minute why don't you go ahead and get Hope strapped in. 

Lark: Okay. 

Frank goes after Karen. 

Frank: Hey Karen. 

Karen: Oh I Frank, I guess you're here to take Hope home you must be very excited. 

Frank smiles. 

Frank: And terrified. Is everything okay? You look like you've been crying. 

Karen: Joe and I got into an argument this morning. I'm not sure what it was even about. He just started screaming at me, saying how I was partly to blame for Mary's death and that I expect him to be perfect. I don't know what has gotten into him. 

Frank: That doesn’t sound like Joe. Would you like me to talk to him? 

Karen: If you think it would help. I certainly can't seem to help him. Frank do you think I was wrong to help Victor? 

Karen: Karen you're a doctor it's your job. Besides Victor would never have done these things if it wasn't for Cooper. 

Karen: It's astounding the damage that man has done. 

Frank: I know because of him my little girl can never know her mother. Listen Karen I'll talk to Joe, and don't worry I'm sure he was just blowing off steam. Joe has an awful temper and when he's upset if you get in his face even if you're not what he's upset about he can and dose lash out. He doesn’t mean to and he always feels bad about it later on but that's just the way he is. He takes after are Dad like that. 

Karen: But that isn't healthy he should get help for that. 

Frank: Did you tell him he needed help? 

Karen: Well I did suggest that a counselor might be able to help him with his feelings of guilt. 

Frank: Okay now we're getting somewhere. Karen Joe has a very low opine of shrinks. He thinks they are quacks, and he thinks they are a waste of time and money. I'm fairly sure that that's what set him off. 

Karen: They helped me. 

Frank: I know, and Joe knows it to he just chooses to ignore it. I'll talk to him okay. And don't worry you and Joe have survived so much a little spat isn't going to break the two of you up. 

Karen smiles. 

Karen: Thanks Frank. 

Frank: Don't mention it. 

Frank goes back to Lark and Hope. 

Frank: All set? 

Lark: I'd say so. 

They pick Hope up and head home. 

Kevin and Lucy wait impatiently out side of Victors room while the doctor talks privately with Victor. 

Kevin: What is taking so long?! 

Lucy: Take it easy doc she needs to be alone with him for awhile. 

Kevin: I know I know I just am getting so tired of this night mare. 

Lucy hugs Kevin. 

Lucy: We all are Doc we all are. 

Dr. Brainly comes out. 

Kevin: Dr. Brainly how is he? 

Lucy: Dose he remember anything? 

Dr. Brainly: I gave him something to help him sleep, he'll be out for a few hours. He has no memory of any of his actions. 

Kevin: And you're sure he isn't faking that? Dr. Brainly: Well nothing is guaranteeable but I'd say it's unlikely that he is faking it. He is how ever becoming more and more stressed over where his wife is. And he will need to be told the truth. 

Lucy: Do you think he might remember on his own? 

Dr. Brainly: He very easily could. This loss of memory is not necessarily connected to the poison. He may be blocking it out on his own with out knowing it. So yes it could come back at any time. He is very fragile right now, so I wouldn't tell him just yet but you should tell him soon. I'll be back tomorrow to check on him. Kevin: Thank you so much for coming Dr. Brainly. Lucy: Yes thank you Dr. Brainly. 

Dr. Brainly: Your welcome. 

At Linda's house Matt, and Sharon are sitting on the couch with Eric. 

Sharon: Eric sweetie Dad and I have some very big news for you. 

Eric: What is it? 

Matt: Well Eric you know that at one time your mother and I were going to get married. 

Eric: But you couldn't because of your brother right. 

Sharon: That's right because it would have been to dangerous. 

Matt: But now there is no danger and your mom and I love each other very much. 

Eric: Are you guys going to get married! 

Sharon: And we'll be moving into Matt's house. 

Matt: How dose that sound to you? 

Eric: This is so totally awesome! 

Eric hugs them both excitedly. 

Linda is listening in from not far away. She whispers angrily. 

Linda: So Sharon you think you're going to get to merry Matt do you? Well we'll just have to see about that. I wonder if Matt will be so eager to merry you once he knows the truth about you and Bobby. And what will you do when I spill the beans about Neil. Oh darn this marriage will just never happen. 

Linda smiles wickedly as she watches Matt, Sharon, and Eric celebrate.

Chapter 34

It is late in The after noon. Frank is watching T.V. while little Hope sleeps when Joe comes over. 

Frank: Hey Joe how are you doing? 

Joe: Don't ask, I feel awful. 

Frank: Well it's not surprising considering how drunk you got yesterday. 

Joe: Don't remind me. So how is Hope? How dose it feel to be a Dad? 

Frank smiles. 

Frank: She's perfect, and it feels absolutely wonderful. 

Joe: Well I'm happy for you. 

Frank: Thanks. Listen Joe I'm going to be honest with you here I'm worried about you. 

Joe: Why because I got a little drunk yesterday? Frank I've gotten drunk plenty of other times. Now 

Frank: Joe you got arrested for drinking and driving, and you tried to slug a cop. 

Joe: Okay so I went really overboard yesterday, that doesn’t mean you have to worry. 

Frank: Joe you have been acting angrier, more violent, and all around more out there then I've seen you act in a very long time. 

Joe: Frank are mother was just murdered I think I have a right to be upset. 

Frank: Is that why you were screaming at Karen today when she was just trying to help you? Joe from what she told me you insulted her bad mouthed her and tried to make her feel as guilty as you could. Joe from what she said it sounded like boarder line abuse. Now I know you don't like shrinks but Joe I really think you should think about it before you go to far. These things happen in cycles and I'd hate to see you end up like Dad. You remember how Dad was. How he would beat us and mom, how he’d scream and curse at us and make us feel worthless. Joe I know you wouldn't want to do that to Karen. 

Joe: I AM NOTHING LIKE DAD!! HOW DARE YOU COMPARE ME TO THAT MAN?! AND YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO. JIST AS KAREN HAD NO RIGHT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT THIS! Joe slugs Frank and goes charging out the door. Hope is crying after being awoken by Joe's yelling. Frank slowly gets up and goes to his daughter. 

At city hall Lucy and Kevin are waiting to see the judge. Mac and Felicia come running in. 

Mac: Sorry we're late traffic was a nightmare. Hey congratulations Mate I knew the two of you would get married someday. 

Felicia: Oh Lucy congratulations see I told you not to give up and here you are. 

Kevin: It was a long road but we certainly made it. 

Lucy: I'm glad you're both here to share this event with us. Thank you both so much I think in a lot of ways the two of you kept us close till we could get back together. 

A secretary pops her head out the door. 

Secretary: The judge is ready for you now. 

Kevin: Ready future Mrs. Collins? 

Lucy: Ready Mr. Collins. 

Mac: Well let get this show on the road. 

Felicia: Okay Mac, Kevin you to go on in and Lucy and I will fallow. Kevin and Mac stand bye the judge as Felicia and then Lucy walk down the short aisle. Kevin and Lucy have written there own vows. 

Kevin: Lucy you are my life. You are the light in my darkest hour and the laughter in my times of joy. You have given and forgiven me more then anyone person deserves. I know I have in the past hurt you and mistreated you. I know I have wronged you. But I vow today to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. I will treasure you and never take you for granted. You are my world and with this ring I make you my wife. 

Lucy is crying. 

Lucy: You have seen goodness in me that I couldn't see in myself. You bring out the best in me, and shown me that if one loves they are truly rich. In you I have found a teacher, a friend, a lover, and a partner and I vow here today to never take you forgranted and to love you with all that I am for as long as I live. So here today Kevin I take you as my husband. 

Judge: You may kiss the bride. 

Kevin and Lucy kiss and Mac and Felicia cheer. 

Felicia: They did it! 

Mac: Well all truly great loves take many years. Isn't that right Mrs. Scorpio. 

They all laugh. 

Mac: So where is the reception? 

Kevin: We'll have that later. 

Lucy: Right now we should get back to Victor. 

Mac and Felicia throw rice as the happy couple leaves. 

In the on-call room Karen is going over some paper work at the table when Joe comes charging in. He grabs the papers out of her hand and throws them on the floor. 

Joe: JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOUJ ARE DOING! 

Karen: Joe! What's wrong, what are you talking about?! 

Joe slams his hands on the table. 

Joe: YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO BRING FRANK INTO ARE PERSONAL LIVES! 

Karen: Joe he's your brother and he is worried about you, just like I am! Would you take a look in the mirror you aren't acting like yourself at all! Face it Joe you have a problem! 

Joe: MY ONLY PROBLEM IS YOU! 

Karen: You chose to save me! 

Joe: YOU THINK I NEED TO BE REMINDED OF THAT! I'M FINE KAREN I JUST NEED YOU AND MY GUILTY CONSHUNS BROTHER TO STAY OUT OF MY HAIR! 

Joe storms out of the room slamming the door behind him. Karen sits down on the couch and cries. Just then Joe comes back in. He goes over to Karen and hugs her. 

Joe: Karen I'm sorry I know you meant well and I know you're just trying to help. I'm just feeling alot of different things right now and I don't know how to handle them. 

Karen: But that's why you should go see Kevin, or Gail or someone like them. They are trained in helping people with emotions. Joe: Karen you can't help a guilty conscious, and even though I love you, right now that's what I feel. 

Joe gets up and leave. Karen watches him leave worriedly. 

Matt is at home getting ready for his dinner date with Sharon. The door bell rings. Matt assumes it's Sharon and goes to the door. 

Matt: You're early. Oh I hi Linda I thought you were Sharon. 

Linda: You have that problem alot don't you. 

Matt sighs. 

Matt: Can I help you with something? 

Linda: Well since you're going to marry Sharon I thought that you should know something about your bride to be. 

Linda pushes her way inside. 

Matt: Linda I don't have time for your games. 

Linda: Oh I won't stay long. But there is something you really should know. 

Matt folds his arms across his chest, and leans back. 

Matt: What is it Linda. 

Linda: Oh just that you weren't the only unfaithful one. 

Matt: Linda I don't have time for this if you have something to say then say it. 

Linda: Okay fine. Sharon and Bobby had an affair. It went on for several months. In fact until she forced Bobby into a paternity test she wasn't even sure Eric was yours. The night Bobby killed that man while we were in the park Sharon was in Bobby's bed. 

Matt: YOU MISRUABLE LIEYING TRAMP! GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW! 

Linda: I didn't think you'd want to believe me so here I brought Sharon's diary. Letters she wrote to Bobby and Eric’s paternity test. 

She hands them to Matt. 

Linda: Well I'm sure you want to be alone right now so I'll leave. If you want to talk let me know. 

Linda leaves. Matt looks over everything and then throws it all on the floor and puts his head in his hands and starts to cry. Matt: Damnit Sharon how could you do this! 

Linda watches gleefully through the window. 

Linda: Oh dear I think there is trouble in paradise. And since Sharon knows about the baby when Matt confronts her oh the fire works. I'd say this relationship is going to come to a screeching halt. Then I can have Matt all to myself. 

Smiles and goes to her car. 

Back at the hospital Kevin and Lucy get off the elevator and are approached by a frantic nurse. 

Nurse: Oh thank goodness you're back! 

Kevin: Why what's wrong?! 

Lucy: Is Victor okay?! 

Nurse: He is hysterical we had to give him a sedative. His memory has come back completely. 

Chapter 35 
Kevin and Lucy stare at the nurse as the words she has said sink in.

Lucy: He remembers everything! Oh poor Victor.

Kevin: How is he now?

Nurse: He is asleep now. We gave him a sedative.

Kevin: I better call Dr. Brainly.

Lucy: Okay I'll go sit with Victor while you make the call.

They kiss and run in opposite directions.

Back at Matt's place Matt is sitting quietly looking at old pictures of him and Sharon.

Matt: How could you Sharon how could you?

Just then the door bell rings, Matt looks out the window and sees Sharon. He takes a deep breath and opens the door. Sharon can tell right away by the look on his face that something is very wrong.

Sharon: Hey sweetie what's up, you look like you've just lost your best friend.

Sharon starts to hug him but he pulls away.

Sharon: Matt what's wrong?

Matt: Linda came by earlier she brought me some very enlightening reading material.

Matt shoves the diary and other papers at Sharon. Sharon looks over them and goes pale as she realizes that he knows.

Sharon: Oh Matt I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you it just happened.

Matt: It just happened over several months! I trusted you! How could you do this to me?! Now I know why you really didn't come looking for me when you found out Eric was coming, you didn't even know for sure that he was mine! Did you love him?!

Sharon suddenly turns red.

Sharon: Now you hold it right there, don't you dare get holier then thou with me! You had an affair with my sister that lasted just as long if not longer and a child resulted from it! You have no right to judge me! And no I didn't love him. You are the only man I've ever loved, but I will not let you talk to me that way when you are just as guilty!

It is Matt's turn to tern pale.

Matt: you know about the thing with Linda?

Sharon: Oh yes I know. Linda and I got into a big fight not long after she had given up the baby. In the middle of it she told me everything.

Matt: Would you have ever told me the truth?

Sharon: Would you have ever told me?

Matt: Probably not.

Sharon: Well I wouldn't have either. Do you love her or did you at one time?

Matt: Know Linda was fun but nothing more. But Sharon we have a problem I can't trust you and If I can't trust you how can I marry you.

Sharon: You've given me just as much reason to doubt. But I still love you Matt.

Matt: I love you to but right now I just can't be with you.

Sharon: I understand.

Sharon runs out of the house before she starts to cry. She sits in her car for awhile collecting herself. Than her tears turn to rage and she heads off to Linda's house.

Matt is watching her go with tears in his eyes. He grabs his keys and head off to the hospital to do some work so that he doesn’t have to think about this mess.

Frank is tending to Hope when Lark gets home.

Lark: Hey how is Hope? Wow how did you get that black eye?

Frank: She's good a little fussy though I think she has colic. The black eye I got from Joe.

Lark: Joe hit you!

Frank: He is really in a bad way. How was your day?

Lark: It was good, nothing to major happened.

Frank: Well that's good I'm going to go make some dinner.

Lark: Okay I'll watch Hope.

On the docks Joe paces nervously, a tall man approaches him.

Mr. Dark: Mr. Scanlon?

Joe: Yes, are you Mr. Dark?

Mr. Dark: Yep, you got the cash?

Joe hands over some money, and Mr. Dark pulls out a gun and hands it to him.

Mr. Dark: Here you go, and be careful it's fully loaded.

Joe: Thanks.

Mr. Dark leaves.

Back at the hospital Lucy sits by Victors bedside holding his hand as he sleeps. Kevin comes in.

Kevin: I called Dr. Brainly she'll be here first thing in the morning. The nurse said that Victor will probably sleep through the night. This is a hell of a way to spend our honeymoon isn't it.

Lucy gets up and goes over to Kevin and gives him a big hug.

Lucy: Oh Doc everything is going to be okay you'll see. Besides it took us this long just to get married it wouldn't make sense if we left right away on are honeymoon.

Kevin smiles a little.

Kevin: I never thought of it that way. Do you really think everything is going to be alright?

Lucy: Yes I do Doc anything is possible if you just believe.

They kiss.

Sharon screeches into her sisters drive way jumps out slams the door and goes racing into the house knowing that Eric is at a friends house for the night.

Sharon: LINDA WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU YOU LITTLE TRAMP!!

Linda comes out of the kitchen smiling.

Linda: I take it your dinner with Matt didn't go so well.

Sharon: YOU LITTLE BACK STABBING SLUT!

Sharon hits Linda hard across the face.

Sharon: YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO TELL HIM! AND YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE HIM FROM ME!

Sharon shoves her hard up against the wall.

Linda: AT LEAST I DIDN'T SLEEP WITH THE MAN THAT PUT HIM IN THAT CHAIR! YOU DON'T DESERVE HIM I DO!

Linda slugs Sharon, Sharon punches Linda in the stomach, Linda grabs Sharon by the hair and rams her head into a wall.

Linda: NOW GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!

Linda starts to go into the kitchen.

Sharon stumbling and full of rage follows Linda and grabbing her by the arm and hair yells

Sharon: YOU WILL NEVER GET HIM HE IS MINE YOU GOT THAT MINE!

She then flings Linda across the room into a wooden cabinet. Linda's head slams against it and she falls to the ground unconscious the contents of it falling out on top of her.

The room is still suddenly Sharon comes to her senses as she sees Linda is not moving.

Sharon: Oh My God what have I done!

She runs over and check for a pulse she has one but it's faint and the back of her head is bleeding badly. Sharon jumps up and quickly calls 911. The ambulance arrives and takes Linda to the hospital as Sharon drives behind it.

Chapter 36
Matt is going over some paper work when he hears the call come in about a bad head injury. Matt goes to the doors of the ER as the role the gurney in. Matt is shocked to see that it is Linda he then sees Sharon coming running in after her. He looks at Linda's bloody condition and at Sharon’s bruised face and shakes his head. Matt: Okay lets get her into exam room 2. Nurse why don't you take Sharon into exam room 4 and get her checked out.
Matt examines Linda.
Matt: Nurse please get me an OR we have to release the pressure on her brain.
Linda starts to convulse.
Matt: Okay people lets move. A nurse and an orderly rush her upstairs, while Matt goes to fill Sharon it.
Matt: Sharon.
Sharon: Matt how is she? Matt: She has a subdural hematoma if we don't release the pressure building on her brain she will die.
Sharon: Oh My God. Matt I never in a million years wanted this to happen.
Matt: One of your famous cat fights huh.
Sharon: You'd think by now we would have learned.
Matt: Are you okay?
Sharon: I guess so.
Matt: Well I better get up to the OR
Matt leaves, Sharon starts to cry.
Karen is at her apartment pacing by the phone Joe should have been home hours ago. She finally grabs the phone and calls Frank.
Lark: Hello house of cranky babies.
Karen laughs.
Karen: Hi Lark Hope is a little fussy huh.
Lark: Oh Hi Karen, yeah Frank thinks she has colic.
Karen: Well that's pretty normal. Can I speak with Frank?
Lark: Oh yeah sure hold on.
Frank: Hey Karen did you know that according to this book babies have different cries and each one means something different. It's like learning a whole new language.
Karen laughs.
Karen: Well I'm sure you'll do just fine at it. Hey have you heard from Joe by chance?
Frank: Not since he slugged me earlier this after noon.
Karen: He hit you!
Frank: yeah he wasn't to happy about me trying to help him.
Karen: I know he came and yelled at me next. Then he took off and I haven't seen him since. He was supposed to be home hours ago.
Frank: Well if you wouldn't mind coming over and helping Lark with Hope I'll go look for him.
Karen: Thanks Frank I'll be right over.
They hang up.
Chris and Eve are packing. Chris: This time tomorrow we will be in L.A.
Eve: It's hard to believe.
Chris: This fresh start is going to do us both a world. of good.
Eve wraps her arms around Chris.
Eve: Well just being with you dose me a world of good.
They kiss.
Chris: So are you looking forward to your new job? Eve: Yes it really is a nice position you secured for me. But I am going to miss my friends.
Chris: Well I guess that's one good thing about being an out cast. When you leave you don't have friends to miss.
Eve: Well I bet you'll make friends in L.A. after all you said you wanted a fresh start.
Chris: But that doesn’t mean my personality will change.
Eve: Well I'm glad do hear that. What would I do with out my sneaky honey.
They laugh.
Joe has been driving for a long time. He comes to a dirt road and drives back it till he reaches a cabin. Joe stares at the deserted cabin which is falling apart. He finally gets out of the car goes to the trunk and retrieves the gun. Joe stairs at the gun for awhile and then goes inside with it. He lays it on the table pulls out a pad of paper and a pen and begins to write.

To Those I love. 
Please know that I do love you all dearly and please don't blame your selves for this. I have found this darkness all on my own none of you are to blame. My choices have led me here and there is no turning back. I have committed the worst crimes imaginable I have played God. And because of it my Mom is gone. Frank I know you needed her more now then ever, as do Hope and Lark as well as Neil. I am truly sorry. Karen I do love you and I don't regret saving you but I just can't bear to know that it was my choice not Gods that made you live and my mom die. Everything is out of control nothing makes sense. I am lost, and I don't see a way to be found. Victor was a good man and I thought a good step father but he has turned me into a killer. Frank I love you and I'm glad you're getting your life together but I'm scared to know what would happen if you got; mad again. Life is just to unbearable. It robs you of what you need, and makes you do things you regret. Life is a punishment that I can not bear.

Goodbye.
Joe
 

 Chapter 37
Joe stairs at the note and then at the gun. He doesn’t quite know what to do next. Joe takes the gun and goes and sits on the couch. He stairs at it and thinks about all the pain in his life. He relives the change in Frank and all Frank did. He relieves almost loosing Karen twice. He relives having to choose between his mom and Karen. Joe starts to point the gun at his head but suddenly he sees Neil's face and hears his voice.
Neil: You promised you promised you'd never leave me.
Joe puts the gun on the coffee table and rubs his face. He gets up and paces around. He then goes out side and starts walking he finds his way to a little pond and sits there quietly as the sun starts to come up. Back at the cabin Frank pulls up. He remembers this place well. It was here that mom had taken them once when she had decided to leave Dad. It was the best two weeks they had known. But he had found them and dragged them all home. They had never been beaten so badly. But the place itself held good memories. He sees Joe's car and breath a sigh of relief. He has been searching for hours. Frank goes inside and spots the gun. He shivers then he notices the note. He reads it to himself and goes pale, tears well up in Franks eyes. Just then Joe walks in. The brothers look at each other. Frank runs over and grabs Joe, he holds him tightly.
Frank: Oh Joe I'm so so sorry I love you so much and hurting you is my deepest regret. Please Joe you can't give up on life, there is to much worth living for. Joe mom wouldn't want you to blame your self and I don't blame you either. You did your best and that's all that counts. Joe Karen needs you, Neil needs you, and I need you. You are so important to all of us. I know you're hurting but you can get past it you can Joe all you have to do is try. Please Joe let me help you.
Both Joe and Frank are crying as they hold on to each other for dear life. Joe: I just don't want to live like this any more, I hate feeling like this.
Frank: Joe you don't have to live like this and you don't have to feel like this. Let me get you the help you need. Joe please counselors are there to help anyone who is hurting and you are hurting let me get you the help you need.
Joe: Well I guess it wouldn't hurt, Okay.
Frank: Come on lets get out of here.
Frank helps Joe into his car and drives him to GH and has him admitted to the mental ward then calls Karen to fill her in on what's happened.
Sharon is sitting in the waiting area while Linda is still in surgery. Garcia approaches.
Garcia: Dr. Mefan?
Sharon: Yes I'm Doctor Mefan.
Garcia: I understand you were there when your sister had the accident would you mind telling me about it.
Sharon sighs.
Sharon: My sister and I have been fighting over the same man for 12 years. We've both had children by him and we've both lost him and refound him. The bottom line is we both love him very much. As you can imagine we've had some very heated arguments over him over the years. In recent years though they had subsided since we didn't think either one of us was ever going to see him again. But then I moved here and it turned out that he works here. The feud between my sister and I started up again. Only this time on a higher level because of the children and because of all the secrets and lies we'd told or kept from Matt. Then Matt asked me to marry him, I excepted I was thrilled I was going to marry the man of my dreams. Well naturally my sister didn't take this well after all this meant she was loosing the man of her dreams. So Linda went to Matt and told him my deepest darkest secret. As she expected Matt didn't take it well at all and I'm not sure Matt and I will ever be together now. I was angrier then I've ever been in my life. Linda had destroyed my dream. I went to her house and ran in there screaming at her. We started arguing worse then we ever have. And it quickly became violent. We started hitting, and shoving each other. The more violent we got the more are tempers got out of control and the more are tempers got out of control the more violent we got. It was a vicious cycle. Anyway in all of the fighting Linda fell against the cabinet in her kitchen hard and that's how she hurt her head. I've never been so ashamed of myself, but I guess when anger rages there isn't much a person won't do. Garcia: Thank you for speaking so openly with me. I suggest you both get some counseling. I'll let you off with a warning this time but if this kind of thing ever happens again I will take you in.
Sharon: Thank you I understand. I think counseling just might be what we need.
Garcia leaves, as Matt comes up to her.
Sharon: Matt how is Linda?
Matt: The surgery was a success she's going to be just fine. She is in recovery right now. In the next hour we will move her down to ICU. You can see her then if you like.
Sharon: Thank you.
Matt: Your welcome.
Matt starts to leave.
Sharon: Matt wait. Can we talk please.
Matt: Sure I guess so.
Sharon: Matt no matter how it may look I want to make sure you know that I do love you with all my heart and I always have. I no that is hard to believe but it's the truth. I don't know why I slept with Bobby. Maybe it was the danger or the risk, I don't know. But I do know it was a mistake that I'm ashamed of and if I could take it back I would but I can't. But Matt I am sorry and I do love you.
Matt: Well I haven't exactly been a saint myself. Sleeping with Linda was a mistake I sorely regret. And like you if I could take it back I would but I can't. I do love you Sharon I always have. Sleeping with Linda had nothing to do with love I don't even know what it had to do with.
Sharon: Since these things are in the past can we keep them there and just focus on the present.
Matt: I'd certainly like to try.
Sharon and Matt hug.
Chris and Eve are at the airport waiting to board the plane.
Chris: I can't believe today if finally here.
Eve: I know no more secrets, or sneaking around.
Just there flight is called.
Chris jumps up and starts grabbing Bags. Eve looks around and a sad expression crosses her face. Chris takes her by the arm and touches her face.
Chris: Hey remember no looking back today we start a new life. Just the two of us are you ready?
Eve smiles at Chris.
Eve: I'm ready.
Hand in hand they get on the plane.
Kevin and Lucy are sitting by Victors bed when he starts to wake up.
Victor: Monk, Lucy? Oh God how can you even stand to look at me! I am a monster! I've killed innocent people and worse yet I killed my dear Mary! Oh God I don't deserve to live!
Victor starts sobbing uncontrollably. Kevin takes Victor by the shoulders.
Kevin: Victor listen to me. Yes what you did was awful but it wasn't your fault. Not all your fault anyway. Victor you would have never been capable of any of this if Cooper hadn't drugged you. Cooper more or less made you do these things.
Victor: That doesn’t excuse what I've done!
Lucy: Your right it doesn’t but it dose offer and explanation and it dose show that you are not some cold blooded killer.
Victor: Then what would you call me!
Lucy: A person who was victimized by an awful man. A person who was made to do things that you would never under normal circumstances do.
Kevin: Victor I know you and you are basically a good man who fell pray to a monster who tried to turn you into one. I believe you can find your way back.
Victor stairs at the ceiling tears running down his face.
Karen rushes into the hospital and finds Frank outside Joe's room. Karen: I got here as quick as I could I dropped Hope off at Alice’s and Neil is staying with Serena and Scott. How is he?
Frank: He is in pretty bad shape. I think if I hadn't gotten there when I did he'd be dead.
Karen: I can't believe it's come to this. I never thought Joe would even consider such a thing.
Frank: I know it's hard to believe. I'm just glad I found him when I did.
Karen: How is he now? Is he resting?
Frank: Yeah they gave him a sedative and he is sleeping pretty soundly.
Karen: Well that's good he needs his rest. Can I go in? Frank: Of course.
Karen goes in with Frank and sits down next to Joe and takes his hand. She kisses it lightly and holds it close to her heart.
Frank: Karen I'm going to go get something to eat from the cafeteria do you want anything?
Karen: No thanks.
Frank leaves.
Karen: I love you Joe I love you more then words can say. We are going to get through this you hear me you're going to be fine.

  
Matt and Sharon go quietly into Linda's room. Linda is lying motionless in bed with machines and IV's in her. Her head is wrapped in bandages. 

Sharon: She looks very pale. 

Matt: She lost alot of blood, it will take her time to regain her full strength. But she will be okay. 

Sharon: Was there any permanent brain injury? 

Matt: No the bruise to her brain was not nearly as serious as we originally thought. We were able to fix it with no problems. I'll leave you two alone. 

Sharon: thank you Matt. 

Matt: Page me if you need anything. 

Matt leaves, and Sharon sits down next to Linda. 

Sharon: What has happened to us Linda? When we were kids we were best friends. Now look at us, fighting over a man. I'm sorry Linda I never meant to hurt you like this. 

Linda opens her eyes. 

Linda: I'm sorry to I never should have told Matt. But I love him and I want him for myself. 

Just then the door opens, and in runs Linda and Sharon’s Mom. Barbara rushes over to Linda. 

Barbara: Oh sweetie are you okay? I came just as soon as I heard. 

Linda: I'll be fine Mom. 

Barbara turns to Sharon. 

Barbara: SHARON SASHA MEFAN! YOU BETTER HAVE ONE HECK OF AN EXPLINATION FOR THIS! 

Sharon: I'm sorry Mom. Linda and I got into an argument and it escalated into a cat fight. I never meant for this to happen. 

Barbara: And just what could you have been fighting over that would have led to this! Oh no don't tell me let me guess, it was over Matt again wasn't it. I saw him in the hall. Well am I right?! 

Sharon and Linda look at each other. 

Sharon: Yes mom Linda told Matt about me and Bobby. 

Linda: Well Matt was going to marry her! I had to stop it, I want him to marry me! 

Sharon: Well it didn't work Matt wants to work things out with me! 

Barbara: Both of you stop it right now! Listen to yourselves fighting over a man! I can't believe what I'm hearing I thought I raised you better then that! You used to be best friends, that's how sisters should be. Sisters shouldn't be fighting. Don't you remember what I used to tell you? Parents will die, Children will grow up and move away, men will leave you but your sisters are the people who are with you from cradle to grave in the end your all you've got. Nothing is worth that bond nothing! Not even a man as great as Matt. 

Sharon: I never wanted the bond to be broken why do you think I forgave her for sleeping with Matt. But it's hard to stay close when she keeps trying to destroy the best relationship I've ever had. 

Linda: Well it's hard to stand bye and watch anyone even your sister get the man of your dreams. 

Barbara: Do either of you know for sure what Matt wants? And I don't mean what you want him to want I mean what he wants. 

Linda closes her eyes and a tear runs down her face. 

Linda: He wants Sharon. I've always known that, I guess I thought if I tried hard enough and schemed long enough one day he'd want me like he wants Sharon but the truth is that will never happen. 

Barbara: Well then sweetie if you do truly love him then you must let him go to her. Sometimes loving someone means letting them go and if Matt wants to be with Sharon then you must let him. 

Linda: I know I know. 

Matt comes in. 

Matt: Hi ladies. 

Barbara: Hello Matt 

Matt: Hello Mrs. Mefan how are you doing? 

Matt: I'd be better if you'd make it clear to my girls who you want. Matt you're a good man I'm surprised at you allowing them to fight like this. 

Matt looks down a little ashamed. 

Barbara: Matt I know you never meant any harm but you must make your choice clear. 

Matt: I understand, but I thought I had. Linda what we had was a fling I will always care about you but I love Sharon and she is the one I want to be with. 

Linda: I know that Matt. I'm sorry I tried to mess things up. I just thought maybe then you'd want me. 

Matt: It doesn’t work like that Linda. 

Linda: I know I guess I tried to forget that. 

Sharon: Matt do you still want to marry me? 

Matt: Yes Sharon I do. We have some stuff to work through but I don't wee why we can't get through it. Linda I do have a surprise for you. 

Linda: What? 

Matt: An old Friend of yours is here to see you. 

In walks Garcia, he hands a stunned Linda a dozen red roses. 

Garcia: Hi Linda, I've missed you. 

Linda: Alex is it really you! 

Garcia kisses Linda's hand. 

Garcia: Yes it is. I didn't realize it was you until I was talking to Matt. I'm glad you're going to be okay. Hello Mrs. Mefan. 

Barbara: Well Hello Alex. 

Sharon looks confused. 

Linda: Sharon when you were away at med. school this is the man I wrote to you about. 

Sharon: Oh my gosh! What a small world this is. 

Matt: Why don't we let Linda and Garcia get reacquainted. 

Sharon: I'll see you later Linda. Matt will you join me for some breakfast? 

Matt: Sounds good lets go to the recovery room. 

Barbara: Well I'm tired I'll be back at the port Charles hotel if you need anything. 

They all leave. 

In Victor's room the therapist has arrived. Kevin and Lucy wait out side nervously as the session goes on. 

Therapist: Victor do you understand the things you've done. 

Victor: Well of course I do I killed several innocent people along with the women I love! I don't deserve to live! 

Switch to Kevin and Lucy. 

Lucy: I wish we could know how he feels then maybe we could help him. 

Kevin: He feels he doesn’t deserve to live. I've been there. 

Lucy: Oh Doc. 

Lucy hugs Kevin. 

Switch to Victor and therapist. 

Therapist: Do you understand why you did these things? 

Victor: I was drugged! Oh but that doesn’t matter it doesn’t undo anything! 

Switch to Lucy and Kevin. 

Lucy: Well he was drugged into it. 

Kevin: It doesn’t really matter. I mean it doesn’t change the fact that 5 people are dead. 

Switch to Victor and Therapist. 

Therapist: Do you remember how you felt when you were committing these crimes. 

Victor: No all I remember is this foggy haze all around me. It was so dark and cold I see the things I did in flashes. Oh they were so horrific! 

Switch to Kevin and Lucy. 

Lucy: I can't even imagine what those memories are like. 

Kevin: Flashes of pure terror, that's what is was like for me anyway. 

The therapist comes out of Victors room. 

Kevin: How is he? 

Lucy: Is there anything we can do for him? 

Dr. Brainly: He is filled with guilt and remorse. There is no doubt in my mind that the drug he was given is solely responsible for all of this. He is a threat to no one now. I'm going to recommend probation along with extensive counseling. The best thing you can do for him now is give him your love and support. 

Kevin: Thank you Doctor. 

Lucy: Yes thank you very much. 

Dr. Brainly: You're welcome I'll be back to check on him later. 

She leaves. 

Joe wakes up and sees Karen at his side clutching his hand. 

Joe: Karen? 

Karen: Joe you're awake! Hi sweetheart I'm right here and everything is going to be okay. 

Karen kisses him lightly. 

Joe: Can you ever forgive me for being such a jerk? 

Karen: Joe you were in such pain I totally understand apology accepted and totally unnecessary. But there is something you could do for me if you really want to make it up to me. 

Joe: What? 

Karen: Talk to a therapist on a regular basis. Joe that could really help you. It helped me. 

Joe: Well I guess it's worth a try. Nothing else is helping. 

Karen: Joe if Frank hadn't of come would you have well I mean. . . 

Joe: I don't know Karen I really don't know. 

Karen starts to cry and they hug. 

Chapter 39
It is several months down the line. Joe and Victor have been going through extensive therapy and are both doing much better. Joe and Karen are going to be married in one month while Matt, and Sharon are having a double wedding ceremony with Linda and Garcia in two months. Victor is living at the light house where Kevin has been appointed his official guardian. Everyone has just received an invitation to Eve's wedding although the grooms name was left off. They have all congregated in L.A. for this mysterious wedding. Today is the day of Eve's wedding though no one has seen her or heard from her they simply know where to go and when. 
Matt gets in the shower and as the hot water runs over his muscular body he stretches and begins to sing aimlessly. 

Matt: Gray sky's are going to clear up put on a happy face, wipe off that full of doubt look stick out that noble chin. And let sun shine all over the place oh put on a happy face. 

Sharon is standing out side the shower curtain trying hard not to burst out laughing. She shakes her head and drops the towel from around her body then she pulls back the shower curtain and steps in behind him. Matt is totally oblivious to her presence as he continues singing. 

Sharon: So you think this shower is big enough for the both of us? 

Matt turns his head quickly startled out of his singing. Matt gazes in Awe at Sharon's naked body. 

Matt: I think we can find room. 

Sharon moves around in front of him, and rests her hands on his shoulders as she gazes down at him. 

Sharon: You mean like this. 

Matt: I was thinking more like this. 

Matt pulls her close and starts kissing her body tenderly. Sharon kneels down and starts rubbing his chest and arms. He pulls her tightly towards him and kisses her passionately as the hot water cascades over there bodies. Matt drags his lips down her neck placing hot kisses every inch of the way. Sharon moans his name as she runs her fingers through his hair, then down his neck and back. Sharon pulls Matt down on top of her as she lays on the shower floor, Matt hold her close as there passion flares out of control and there bodies become one. 

After the passionate shower they dress and talk. 

Sharon: So any idea about who this mystery man of Eve's is? 

Matt: No but I guess we'll find out today. I'm a little worried personally. She was so shook up over Chris's death and it only happened a few months ago. Now she's getting married. I hope she really loves him and is just not doing this so she wont be alone. 

Sharon: Do you think she would do that? 

Matt thinks for a moment. 

Matt: Eve likes people to think she's tough but she really isn't. The reality is she is very weak, and can be very needy. She has a lot of self esteem issues, and the men she has dated in the past haven't done a very good job of helping her address thoughts. I just hope she isn't jumping in over her head. 

Sharon: It sounds to me like you really care about her. 

Matt: She is my friend and I worry about her. 

Sharon smiles. 

Sharon: Which is only one of a million reasons why I love you. 

Sharon walks over and strokes his cheek with her hand. Matt takes her hand and kisses it softly. 

Matt: What are some of the others? 

Sharon bends down and rests her arms on his knees. 

Sharon: Well I could tell you or. . . 

Sharon pulls him to her and kisses him. 

Sharon: I could show you. 

Matt rubs his hands down Sharon’s back and finding the fastener to her bra he undoes it as he leans in to kiss her passionately. Then pulling her up onto his lap he whispers 

Matt: Show me all of them baby. 

Sharon pulls off Matt’s still unbuttoned shirt and allows her bra to fall to the floor as he rolls them over to the bed. Sharon lays across the bed and Matt lifting himself out of his chair lays next to her. Sharon pulls him near and their fire ignites. He rubs his hands over every inch of her body planting hot kisses everywhere. Sharon holds him tight caressing every in of his muscular body. They wrestle in the sheets as one unsure of where each ends and the other begins. 

In Joe and Karen's hotel room they are busy getting ready. 

Karen: Joe can you help me fasten this necklace. 

Joe: Sure. 

As Joe is fastening it he starts to rub her shoulders and plant kisses on the back of her neck. 

Karen: Oh Joe that feels so good baby. 

She turns and kisses him passionately he pulls her close and runs his hands down her back as he starts kissing her neck. Karen holds him near as she rushes her fingers through his hair and down his back he lifts her up and lays her across the bed. 

Karen: Karen pulls him to her and they tumble together as one holding on to each other for dear life as their passion ignites. 

When the passion has subsided they quickly redress. 

Karen: We're going to be late! Yikes this necklace is dangerous. 

Joe: Well it was worth it if you ask me. 

He smiles at her devilishly. 

Karen: Well it was nice but today is about Eve. 

Joe: She sure got engaged quick didn't she. You think she's pregnant? 

Karen: I hope not she's had so much to deal with. Besides what's wrong with love happening quickly. 

Joe: Nothing, but when she left I thought the last thing she'd be wanting was love. 

Karen: Well it was, but sometimes that is when true love happens. 

Joe: Why do you suppose she's being so secretive. I mean the invite just said you are invited to the wedding of Dr. Eve Lambert to the love of her life. It never mentioned his name. 

Karen: Well maybe she thinks it will make the wedding more exciting. 

Joe: Maybe, well I guess I shouldn't worry I guess I get nervous easily. 

Karen walks over and hugs him. 

Karen: That's okay I think it's sweet. But remember we're Eves friends so if she's happy we need to be happy for her no matter what. Okay. 

Joe smiles. 

Joe: Okay beautiful. 

Joe runs his hands through Karen's hair. 

Karen: Joe stop it we are already late. 

She jokingly pushes him away. They finish dressing. 

Kevin and Lucy are getting ready in there room. 

Kevin: I can't believe we're going to Eve's wedding. 

Lucy sits down on the bed looking pale. 

Lucy: Don't remind me I already feel sick enough as it is. 

Kevin looks at Lucy and seeing how pale she looks quickly goes to her and sits at her side. 

Kevin: Lucy are you okay you look a little pale. 

Lucy smiles. 

Lucy: Well I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you. 

Kevin: Tell me what? 

Lucy takes Kevin’s hand and rests it on her stomach. 

Lucy: Doc you know how everyday all over the world people have babies. Well now it's are turn. 

Lucy smiles broadly at Kevin. Kevin stairs at Lucy dumb founded. 

Kevin: Lucy you're I mean we're a baby are you sure when how you're pregnant! 

Lucy laughs. 

Lucy: Yes doc I'm pregnant, we're going to be parents. I'm having a baby in about 7 months and as a doctor you should really know how. 

Kevin: Oh Lucy, I can't believe this! This is just to good to be true! I love you Lucy. 

Lucy: I love you to Doc. 

They kiss passionately and fall back onto the bed succumbing to the flames of their hot passion. 

At the church in a spare room Eve is standing in front of a full length mirror in her wedding gown. 

Eve looks at her self in this floor length white gown with short sleeves, a heart shaped neck and elbow length gloves. She looks at the shoulder length vale encircling her shoulders. 

Eve: You've come along way baby. 

Just then there is a knock at the door. 

Eve: Who is it? 

Chris: Eve it's me. 

Eve goes to the door. 

Eve: Chris you know the rules you can't see the bride before she walks down the aisle It's bad luck. 

Chris: You don't really believe in that stuff do you? 

Eve: Hey after everything we've both been through I'm not taking any chances. 

Chris: Alright, but can I at least tell you that I love you and I can't wait to be your husband. 

Eve smiles. 

Eve: Yeah you can tell me that, in fact I think that is a tradition. 

A little while later everyone is gathered in the church. 

Karen: It's great that we all arrived at the same time, I was so worried that we were going to be late. 

Matt: Yeah well Sharon and I got um tangled up something. 

Joe: Hey Kevin you okay? You look a little pale. 

Kevin: Yeah well it's been quite a morning. 

Lucy: Joe are you okay you look flushed? 

Joe: Oh Um it was very hot in are hotel room. 

Sharon: Really ours to. 

Sharon giggles. 

Just then the music starts. Everyone turns and sees Eve standing there in her long white gown looking beautiful. 

Sharon: Where is the groom. 

Lucy: Oh My God! She's totally flipped out! She's marrying herself! 

Kevin: Lucy keep your voice down. 

Just then up at the front of the church they hear a door open and out comes a minister and with him Chris Ramsey alive as can be.

Chapter 40
There is a collective gasp as Chris takes his place by the ministers side up at the front of the church. Everyone stairs at Chris in disbelief, then they turn and see Eve beaming away start down the aisle looking happier then ever. Slowly the guest regain the voices.
Kevin: You let my father believe he killed you! And Eve we're supposed to be friends how could you let my father go through this! I'm not going to watch the two of you marry!
Kevin grabs Lucy by the hand and starts to pull her out. Lucy pulls back hard on Kevin's arm.
Lucy: Kevin stop stop! Now this is their wedding we were invited to lets not make a scene lets stay for the serves and then we will leave.
Joe: Eve have you lost your mind! Why would you want to marry a creep like Ramsey?!
Karen: Joe please keep your voice down.
Joe: She's are friend Karen and she's about to make the biggest mistake of her life! We have to stop her!
Karen: Joe it isn't are place! Remember we talked about how as her friends we should try and be happy for her know matter what.
Kevin: Why shouldn't we cause a scene she caused one at are wedding!
Matt: Well you guys can do what you want Sharon and I are not staying. Chris I liked you better dead you SOB!
Sharon: Matt! Now that's enough Chris isn't doing anything to you right now.
Matt: Well I wasn't doing anything to him when he tried to wreck my life! Eve how could you, I thought we were friends, you are a trader!
Sharon: Well you don't have to stoop to his level!
Scott and Serena walk in late.
Serena: Daddy Daddy a Ghost a Ghost!
Scott: No sweetie unfortunately he's the real thing.
Karen: Dad you made it.
Scott: Yeah well your sister wanted to see Eve get married. I just didn't know we were going to have to watch her marry that snake!
Joe grabs Karen's arm.
Joe: Well were not staying!
Matt: Sharon if you want to stay fine but I'm not going to watch this!
Sharon grabs the back of Matt's chair, Karen pulls hard on Joe's arm.
Sharon: Matt Harmon where is the wonderful man I'm going to marry? Now stop acting like a 6 year old and relax! We'll leave after the ceremony.
Karen: Joe cut it out! We're not leaving understood! Eve deserves to have her friends around her.
Kevin: You really think we should stay! You really think we shouldn't cause a scene! She caused a scene at ours!
Lucy: Doc listen to your self! We came here to watch her get married! We already new she was going to get married! This isn't about her!
Serena: Everyone stop fighting please stop fighting!
Serena starts to cry.
Scott: AH HELL NOW LOOK WHAT YOU IDIOTS DID!
Kevin: EXCUSE ME YOUR YELLING LOUDER THEN ANYONE!
Lucy: WILL YOU BOTH COOL IT! THIS ISN'T THE TIME NOR IS IT THE PLACE! NOW SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN!
Lucy turning towards Serena.
Lucy: Oh little pumpkin head don't cry. It's okay sweetie were not mad at each other we're just really surprised.
Serena: Then why is everyone yelling?
Lucy: Well because
Joe: BECAUSE WE DON'T LIKE BEING PLAYED FOR FOOLS THAT'S WHY!
Karen: JOE DON'T YOU DARE YELL IN FRONT OF MY SISTER!
Matt: WELL WHY SHOULDN'T HE YELL WE'VE BEEN PLAYED FOR FOOLS AND ARE NOW BEING FORCED TO WATCH THIS RIDICULOUS WEDDING!
Sharon: MATT STOP IT NOW OR YOU WILL BE SLEEPING ALONE TONIGHT!
Joe: I'LL YELL WHEN EVER I DAMM WELL PLEASE!
Scott: DON'T YOU DARE TALK TO MY DAUGHTER LIKE THAT SCANLON!
Scott leaps over the seats and slugs Joe, Joe slugs Scott and they begin rolling in the aisle punching each other.
Serena: STOP IT STOP IT DON'T FIGHT PLEASE DON'T FIGHT!
Lucy: DOC DO SOMETHING! Oh little pumpkin head come here it's okay it's okay. DOC I SAID DO SOMETHING.
Karen: BOTH OF YOU STOP IT THIS MINUTE!
Kevin and Matt manage to pry them apart.
Lucy: I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE TWO OF YOU FIGHTING LIKE ANIMALS! AND SCOTT YOU FIGHTING IN FRONT OF SERENA! YOU SHOULD BOTH BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!
Lucy: OH PUT A SOCK IN IT!
Kevin: NOW YOU HOLD IT RIGHT THERE LUCY IS RIGHT AND I DON'T WANT YOU TALKING TO HER LIKE THAT ANYMORE!
Scott: I'LL TALK TO HER ANY DAM WELL I PLEASE YOU BASKET CASE HEAD SHRINKER!
Kevin lunges for Scott and they start fighting.
Serena: NO NO PLEASE DON'T FIGHT!
Lucy: KEVIN COLLINS YOU STOP THAT RIGHT NOW OR I'LL MAKE YOU SLEEP OUT AT THE DUCK POND FOR THE NEXT MONTH! Uh oh
Lucy is over come with morning sickness and in her rush to get past them and to the bath room trips and falls over Kevin and Scott who are now fighting on the floor but not before throwing up on both of them.
Karen: Lucy are you okay!
Lucy: I think I sprained my ankle.
Kevin and Scott come over to her both covered in vomit.
Kevin: Here Lucy let me help you to a seat.
Joe: Lucy if you have the flue you should probably go home, and you should definitely stop on the way and get your ankle ex-rayed.
Serena: Daddy I don't want Lucy to be sick!
Scott: She's okay sweetie a little throwing up never hurt anyone. Right Kevin?
Kevin: she doesn't have the flue.
Lucy: I'm going to be a mom, I'm pregnant.
Karen: Oh Lucy that's wonderful!
Joe: Congratulations!
Matt: That is so wonderful I know how much you wanted a child!
Sharon: Congratulations!
Serena: I'm going to have an almost little sister or brother WAHOO!
Scott: That's great Lucy your kid is going to be real lucky to have you for a mom.
Lucy: Thank you, all of you we're very excited. Doc you know I love you but smelling you right now is making me sick.
Everyone laughs.
Serena: Daddy doesn't smell to good either.
Scott: Well what do you expect I got throw up on me.
Kevin: Come on Scott lets go clean up.
Scott: I'm right behind you.
Karen: I have my med bag in the car I'll run and get an ace bandage for her ankle.
Eve has been at the head of the church for awhile now watching along with Chris all of the kayos. Chris is laughing pretty hard by this point.
Eve: You sure know how to make an entrance.
Chris: There is nothing like that old Ramsey charm.
Minister: Do you want to wait or shall I proceed?
Chris: Lets give them ten more minutes to get themselves straightened out.
Soon Karen returns and bandages Lucy's ankle. Kevin and Scott return cleaner and smelling better.
Joe: Listen Scott I'm sorry about before.
Scott: Ah Hell if anyone understand a hot head it's another hot head don't sweat it.
Joe: Karen I'm sorry.
Karen: Hey Chris being alive is a shock I understand.
Joe: Serena I'm sorry I was yelling and fighting.
Matt: Yeah Serena I'm sorry I was yelling.
Serena: My teacher says fighting is for babies.
Kevin: Well it sounds like we could all learn something from your teacher.
They all laugh.
Serena: I forgive you just as long as you're all nice to each other again.
Everyone smiles.
Chris: Excuse me may I have your attention please?
Everyone turns towards Chris.
Chris: My lovely bride and I are planning to spend the rest of our lives together. We love each other very much.
Matt: That's pretty tough for someone like you who doesn't have a heart!
Sharon: Matt!
Chris ignores Matt.
Chris: I realize that I'm not popular, I realize that you'd all probably be happier if I really were dead. I personally wanted to elope with Eve but she wants a real wedding. So for her since I know you are her friends would you please sit quietly while we get married.
Everyone nods.
Chris turns towards the minister.
Chris: Lets get started.
Minister: Chris and Eve have written there own vows.
Chris: Eve when I first met you I know we were one and the same. Over time we became the best of friends and then with out any warning it turned into the deepest love that could ever be. You mean more to me then you'll ever imagine. You are my friend, my love, my soul mate. I once told you long ago that you are my dream girl and now you are my dream come true. I love you and I want to spend my life with you making you happy. So here today I vow to love, honor, cherish you all the day's of my life. With this ring I thee wed.
Eve: Chris I never believed in love before you. I never believed in friendship before you. You have given me more then I can ever say and I love you more then you'll ever know. I used to think love was just a fairy tale. But now I know it is real and I know it's real when I look in your eyes. And I want to spend the rest of my life at your side. So here today I promise to love, honor and cherish you all the days of my life. With this ring I thee wed.
Minister: Now by the power invested in me I pronounce them husband and wife you may kiss the bride.
They kiss tenderly.

Chapter 41
After Eve and Chris's wedding ceremony they head off to the banquet hall for there reception. They snuggle in the limo as they ride along.
Chris: Did you see the looks on their faces! I thought we were in for some heart attacks.
Chris laughs.
Eve: You definitely know how to make an entrance.
Chris: All in a days work babe. I can't wait to see what they do at the reception.
Eve: I wouldn't hold your breath about anyone coming to it. I have a feeling we'll have the reception all to ourselves.
Chris shrugs.
Chris: More wine and food for us.
Eve: Well I wouldn't have minded talking to Karen and Serena.
Chris: Ah Miss. Goody Goody, and the midget.
Eve playfully shoves Chris.
Eve: Chris don't talk like that I care about them.
Chris: Oh come on sweet heart I'm only kidding. Besides I think curiosity alone will make at least a couple of them come. I mean don't you think at least one or two of them will have questions for us.
Eve sighs.
Eve: I'm sure Lucy and Kevin will have plenty to say and ask.
Chris: Well there you go your sparing partner and ex-TP will be there.
Eve rolls her eyes.
Eve: Oh I can hardly wait. But I doubt anyone else will come.
Chris: Hey Matt will probably be there he never misses an opportunity to get up in my face.
Eve: Excuse me but you and Matt arguing, while Lucy gives me the third degree is not my idea of fun.
Chris: Well what if I'm sickeningly sweet to Matt and you just ignore Lucy.
Eve laughs.
Eve: Ignoring Lucy is like trying to ignore nails on a chalk bored. And when you and Matt can be nice to each other for more then 5 minutes is when Hell freezes over.
Chris laughs.
Chris: Well then I guess we'll just have to make the best of it.
Chris pulls her in close and kisses her passionately.
At the reception hall the group has gathered.
Matt: Remind me why we came to this reception again.
Sharon: Because Eve is your friend and you are going to wish her well. And because you were invited and before the wedding you were planning on coming. To back out now simply because you don't like the groom would be rude. I'm sure they spent a lot of money on this. Besides they are going to have music, dancing, and food. I've never known you to walk away from a party.
Matt: Fine, but we're not inviting them to are wedding.
Sharon: Okay.
Joe: I always thought Eve was smart but marrying Ramsey! That's got to be world class dumb.
Karen: Joe come on stop that. Eve is are friend, and she deserves our friendship and our support. We don't know what their relationship is like. If he makes her happy then that's all that really matters. Come on Joe lighten up this is going to be a nice party lets enjoy it.
Joe: Alright alright.
Karen: Joe promise me you aren't going to tell Eve you think she's making a mistake.
Joe: Kareennnnnnnnnnn
Karen: Promise me Joe!
Joe: Okay I promise.
Kevin: I can't believe they aloud my father to think he'd killed Chris.
Lucy: I don't think Chris was the victim he felt the worst about killing.
Kevin: It still bothered him. I called him from the car he sounded relieved.
Lucy: I'm glad, Victor has been through so much.
Kevin: We all have.
Lucy: And we've all come out okay.
Kevin: It still makes me furious.
Lucy: I know Doc I know. But Anger gets us know where. When anger rages there are only losers.
Serena: Daddy didn't Eve look beautiful?
Scott: Like a fairy princess.
Just then the limo pulls up and Chris steps out then helps Eve out. Chris whispers to Eve.
Chris: Well well well look at this my sweet the whole group is here.
Eve: I hope everyone left their weapons at home.
Serena runs up to Eve and hugs her.
Serena: Hi Eve! You looked so beautiful.
Eve hugs her back.
Eve: Well thanks girlfriend. You look beautiful to.
Scott comes up to her.
Scott: Uh you really do look nice. Congratulations I hope you're happy.
Eve: Thank you Scott that's so sweet.
Chris: Hey Baldwin
Scott: Ramsey.
Matt and Sharon come up.
Sharon: Congratulations Eve and Chris I wish you both all of the happiness in the world.
Eve: Thanks Sharon.
Chris: We really are happy thank you.
Matt; Eve I wish you luck. Ramsey you're looking pretty good for a dead guy.
Sharon squeezes Matt's shoulder.
Sharon: Matt.
Chris: Well hey what can I say even death can't decay these good looks.
Chris flashes a smile.
Eve grabs Chris's arm and moves him along.
Eve: Thank you both.
Joe and Karen come up to them next.
Karen hugs Eve.
Karen: Eve congratulations I'm so glad you're happy. I was worried about you when you moved out here so quickly but now I know why. Congratulations.
Eve: Thanks Karen I'm sorry I worried you. But Chris and I wanted a fresh start and we felt this was the only way.
Karen: Chris I'm glad you're not really dead.
Chris: Thanks Karen I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me.
Joe: Eve I'm glad you're happy I just hope you know what you're getting yourself into.
Karen pinches Joe's arm.
Joe: Ow
Eve: uh thank you both for coming.
Eve pushes Chris along.
Kevin and Lucy come up to them next.
Kevin: So did you have fun playing us all for fools.
Chris: Oh come on Kevin you don't need any help to look like a fool.
Lucy: Okay both of you stop it!
Eve: You're going to try and take over this to huh.
Kevin: You know I'm sick of the way you talk to Lucy.
Chris: And I'm sick of the way you used Eve for your little mid life crises.
Kevin: Watch your mouth Ramsey.
Chris: What was that a threat, hmm like father like son.
Lucy; Will you both shut up right now! This is not the time or the place. We are all adults here. So can we please act like it! I see no reason to get into this it will do no one any good. Chris Eve I hope both have a good life full of love and happiness. We all deserve that. We may have are differences but I think we can put them aside long enough to help you both celebrate your wedding.
Eve stairs at Lucy in amazement.
Eve; Thank you.
Chris: Thanks.
Kevin: Well then I guess we should head inside.
Everyone goes inside for the reception. While there is a great deal of tension at first everyone ends up having fun. 
 
 
 

A couple months later it is Matt and Sharon's big day. They are having a double ceremony with Linda and Garcia in the park. The couples have written there own vows. The guests sit quietly waiting for the wedding to start.
Karen: It's hard to believe Matt is marrying someone besides Ellen. I sometimes still can't believe she's gone and can't help but feel guilty for being alive.
Joe: It wasn't your fault, but I know that doesn't make it any easier.
Karen: So much has happened in these past months.
Joe: Almost to much to keep track of.
Karen: Amazingly though everything has turned out okay.
Joe: Well when anger rages messes are made but love is the best clean up tool in the book.
Just then the wedding music begins.
Linda: Alex I love you with all that I am and all that I will ever be. You have given me a love more deep and true then I've ever known. I never new I could love anyone the way I love you. And today I'm proud to give you my hand in marriage as your partner for life. You are my heaven my earth my all. With this ring thee I wed.
Garcia: Linda you are my best friend and my true love. I consider myself one of the lucky few who can honestly say their true love is their best friend. And I feel privileged to have the chance to walk life's uncertain journey with you at my side. For together I know we will be just fine. With this ring thee I wed.
They kiss.
Sharon: Matt we've seen the worst of times as well as the best of times. We have seen the mountain and climbed it to the top. Though we have struggled long and hard for this day. I am truly grateful for those struggles for they have made us stronger, and have made me more sure that there truly is nothing our love can't conquer. On our own we succeed but it is together that we win. With this ring thee I wed.
Matt: Sharon you always were nothing less then an answered prayer to me. And when you came back into my there was no doubt that you still were. You came back into my life in my darkest hour like a ray of light. You are my angel, my light at the end of the tunnel and my true north. And I know with you at my side I will never be lost, or alone for I'll have are love to lead me home. With this ring thee I wed.
They Kiss.

THE END