Once You Love Somebody

Marisa stood before the mirror wiping her hair out of her eyes after she'd put TJ down for his nap. With a sigh, she moved out into the living room picking up the scattered remains of TJ's morning play session in front of the television with Chris. While the morning had gone reasonably well with the three of them, she could see the uneasiness in Chris' features when she'd finally broke down and told him the truth about TJ. She noticed how he'd tried not to show what he was thinking once she'd told him about her past, but in his eyes, she could see the hurt he was too proud to admit to.

"Oh well, somehow you knew that life wasn't going to be easy after TJ." She reminded herself thinking of the few potential relationships she'd embarked upon in the past since TJ's birth. While each man had claimed that there were extenuating circumstances as to why they couldn't be together, she knew the real reason and perhaps in her heart, she had on some subconscious level pushed them away because to her there would never be another love like the one she had with him...

"Stop torturing yourself." she instructed picking up the stuffed giraffe at her feet as the bell rang. Looking up at the door hopefully, she remembered how Chris had mentioned he might stop by later if he wasn't too busy and a smile crossed her lips. Holding the giraffe in her arms, she opened the front door.

"I was hoping you'd be back." Marisa greeted him noticing the bouquet of flowers in his hand.

"Now that's the kind of welcome I was looking for." Scott replied reaching out to Marisa and pulling her into his arms for a kiss.

"Scott," Marisa replied pulling away from him, "what on Earth are you doing here?"

"Well, I followed you home last night after I got to thinking and this morning when I woke up, I realized that I couldn't put off talking to you any longer." Scott explained brightly. "I found myself sitting at the breakfast table with Serena this morning and out of nowhere Serena brought up that time we all went to the zoo together and before I knew it, I was in my car on my way back here."

"You shouldn't have come here Scott." Marisa informed him coldly handing back the flowers.

"Why? Because you told me to stay away last night?" Scott questioned curiously refusing to take the flowers back. "You know, I never believed you when you were lying before, so why on Earth would I have believed you last night when you said you didn't still have feelings for me?"

"Scott, you're making a mistake." Marisa insisted blocking the entrance not wanting to let him inside.

"There you're wrong my dear. I believe that it's you who are making the mistake by not being honest with yourself about the way you feel about me." Scott replied confidently strolling into her apartment. "Nice place."

"Scott, I want you to leave." Marisa snapped at him watching him make his way through her apartment. "I mean it."

"I'm sure you think you do, but I'm not leaving until we talk this thing out once and for all." Scott replied making himself comfortable on the sofa as he looked her over closely. "Nice giraffe."

"Scott Baldwin.....oooh!" Marisa muttered in frustration tossing the giraffe across the room at his head and missing by a fraction of an inch.

"I told you that I want you to leave. Now go!"

"What if I want to stay right here?" Scott questioned noticing the spark of anger in her eyes as she approached him.

"You don't have a choice. I want you out now." Marisa snapped reaching out to take his arm in hers struggling to pull him off the couch until he yanked on her arm and she went toppling down into his lap.

"Now this is more like it." Scott smiled wrapping his arms around her as she glanced up at him now speechless.

Without a word, he pressed his lips to hers kissing her softly feeling her reluctance in accepting the kiss until finally she couldn't resist a moment longer and responded to him wrapping her arms around his neck taking in the feel of the familiarity that came along with being in his arms.

Sinking back into the couch Marisa hungrily accepted each one of his kisses until she broke away breathlessly.

"Now, why couldn't we have cut to the chase and just started off like this?" Scott questioned with a smirk leaning in to kiss her once more.

"You have no idea how many nights I'd dreamt about doing just that again."

"Scott, oh how I've missed you." Marisa replied reaching out to touch the side of his face unable to believe that after all this time they were really together again like this holding onto one another.

"How could I have ever let you go?" Scott questioned kissing her softly as his hands traveled along the curves of her body as the memories of being with her flooded his mind.

"Scott..." Marisa started uneasily as she shifted positions on the couch.

"This can't be happening."

"What do mean this can't be happening? You're here. I'm here. We're with each other. What more could we need?" Scott questioned in confusion as she pulled away sliding out from underneath him.

"Scott, this is wrong. You and I we are just so very wrong for each other." Marisa insisted pacing around the room. "You and I both know you're only here because right now you're dealing with your lingering feelings about losing Lucy."

"Lucy? How in the world did you know about that?" Scott questioned blankly.

"Scott, I've heard the stories and I know about you and Lucy." Marisa explained staring at him for a moment. "I know how much you loved her."

"Yes Marisa, I did love Lucy, and you've known that for a long time, but I don't see how that changes what's going on here between the two of us." Scott replied blankly. "Surely, you know that's not the reason I'm here."

"Well, what about Eve? The two of you looked pretty close the other night and from what Chris said, Eve thinks the two of you could have a potentially bright future with one another......" Marisa continued grasping at straws as she paced again.

"Marisa, I already explained to you about Eve last night. For heaven's sake woman, can't you see that I'm here because I couldn't stay away from you? I needed to be with you again." Scott explained honestly.

"Every since you walked out on that balcony back at the hospital, my thoughts have burned with you and my feelings that I thought were long gone have come back to the surface and I can't shut them off."

"Your feelings for me? Are they really that strong Scott?" Marisa questioned looking at him.

"Stronger than ever." Scott replied standing up and bringing his hands down upon her shoulders. "Marisa, I made a mistake in letting you walk away, but now that you're back in my life, I want us to start over."

"Start over, huh?" Marisa repeated with a laugh. "And then what pick up where we left off?"

"Well, that's a start." Scott shrugged touching the side of her face.

"We always did have fun together."

"Yes we did Scott, but that's all it was, wasn't it? Just fun?" Marisa questioned feeling her heart pounding in her chest.

"No, it was more than that Marisa. You touched a place in my heart that not many people could touch." Scott informed her honestly.

"When you left, I felt as if a part of me was being taken with you."

"Then why didn't you try to stop me Scott? Why did you just let me walk away?" Marisa questioned with tears in her eyes. "I came to you that night I left practically begging you to just ask me to stay, but you didn't. You just let me walk out of your life feeling as if I meant nothing to you...as if all that time we spent together was just your way of killing time."

"I wasn't thinking clearly Marisa. So much had happened to me and I felt as if I'd betrayed Dominique when I was involved with you. No matter what my feelings were about us, I couldn't bring myself to come into that kind of commitment that asking you to stay would be. I wasn't ready for that." Scott explained kissing her softly. "I got scared and I backed away. I was a coward and couldn't handle what was happening with us."

"But you're ready for that now?" Marisa questioned raising an eyebrow.

"More than ready," Scott nodded running his fingers through her hair, "and if you'd only give me a chance, I'd prove that to you."

"Prove what Scott?" Marisa questioned feeling her lip quivering.

"How much I love you and how I'm willing to give us another chance if you'll let me." Scott explained in a soft whisper. "I'm ready to accept responsibility for things that I wasn't able to handle back then."

"I'm glad you said that Scott." Marisa replied backing away from Scott. "I hope you mean that."

"I do." Scott nodded watching her walk away. "Hey, where are you going?"

"I'll be right back." Marisa explained slipping out of the room.

"You know Marisa, I was thinking that perhaps you, Serena, and I could maybe head up to Canada for the weekend perhaps catch up on a little fly fishing." Scott called out to her taking a seat in the chair across the room as he picked up a coloring book on the table next to him filled with scribbles. "I can see you're still finding inventive ways to deal with your aggression aren't you? Marisa, where'd you go?"

"I'm right here." Marisa replied walking out into the living room with TJ in hand.

"Marisa?" Scott questioned in confusion noticing the small child in her arms. "What's going on?"

"Scott, I'd like you to meet TJ." Marisa explained trying to keep her voice emotionless as he looked at the boy.

"Nice to meet you TJ." Scott replied smiling at the child before looking at Marisa.

"Hi," TJ replied looking up at Scott for a moment before turning to face Marisa, "who's he mommy?"

"Why TJ, this is your daddy." Marisa explained locking gazes with Scott.

"You mean he's my......." Scott trailed off seeing his own reflection staring back at him.

"That's right Scott." Marisa informed him doing her best not to crumble before him. "He's your son."

"Doc?" Lucy questioned noticing Kevin looking out the window in his office staring out

into the quiet morning below. Feeling sleepiness still within her, she let out a yawn before

stretching her body along the sofa in his office. Taking a moment to observe him closely,

she could sense his strain as she moved up off the couch wrapping her arms around him in

an effort to comfort him.

"Hey you," she whispered in his ear holding him close to her.

"Hey," he replied turning around to face her revealing the darkened circles underneath his

eyes.

"You didn't sleep one wink last night, did you?" Lucy questioned touching the side of his

face.

"I was too busy thinking about Victor." Kevin confessed as Lucy noticed the distance in

his eyes.

"You're still thinking about what he said, aren't you?" Lucy asked already knowing the

answer from the dark brooding look on his face.

"I just don't understand why he held it all in for so long. I would've helped him deal with

Ryan." Kevin sighed in frustration turning away from her once again.

"Doc, he was trying to protect you. He thought he was doing the right thing and you have

to respect him for that." Lucy insisted hugging Kevin tightly as she rested her head upon

his shoulder. "Victor's always had his own way of doing things and we just have to learn

to deal with them."

"I understand that Lucy, but to take on the weight of Ryan on his own was sheer insanity."

Kevin muttered feeling her pressed up against him. "I just wish I'd been able to lift some

of the burden off of him before it got to this point."

"Honey, Ellen assured me that Victor is going to be all right. You should know how

successful these open heart surgeries can be. Plus we all know how talented Matt is in this

department." Lucy reminded him quickly. "Doc, everything is going to be all right for us.

You have to believe that."

"I do Lucy. I do." Kevin decided spinning around to embrace her. He held her close to

him seeking comfort in her arms...the arms of the only woman he'd ever truly loved...the

only woman who could ever hold his heart. "I love you."

"I love you too Doc." Lucy murmured sinking into his inviting chest taking in the warmth

of his arms knowing that together they would be able to face anything that life threw out

at them. "Oh!"

"What is it?" Kevin questioned in a panic releasing her. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, not at all." Lucy replied shaking her head realizing that she'd yelped a bit more than

she'd planned on. "It's just that I felt something."

"Are you okay? I'll go get Ellen if you need....." Kevin started worried about her.

"No, Doc, I'm fine. In fact, right now at this moment, I'm absolutely wonderfully more

than fine." She replied taking his hand in hers and placing it over her abdomen. "Do you

feel that?"

"I don't feel anything." Kevin replied as Lucy guided him back to the couch.

"Maybe if I sit down, they'll start up again." Lucy suggested taking a seat on the sofa.

"Oh, there it is again."

"Where? I missed is again." Kevin frowned as Lucy moved his hand all around her

abdomen. "Lucy, slow down."

"I just don't want you to miss this again. Our babies are trying to say hello to their daddy

and who am I to deprive them of that." Lucy explained suddenly feeling another kick.

"Here it is."

"Oh Lucy," Kevin replied dropping to his knees before her and feeling his unborn children.

He pressed his hand to Lucy feeling their movements still in awe of the miracle taking

place with her each day as she grew more beautiful with each passing moment.

"Isn't it the most amazing thing you've ever experienced Doc?" Lucy questioned feeling

her eyes glistening with tears as he pressed his ear up to her listening to the soft sounds of

their children. Without a word, Lucy reached down to Kevin running her fingers through

his hair.

"Hey, you two. Daddy's here." Kevin spoke faintly looking up at Lucy for a moment

feeling his heart fill with love for her. "I just want you to know that your mother and I

love you very much and so does your grandfather. He's a good man. A little eccentric at

times, but I promise you that when you two are ready to come out and join the rest of us

here, we'll be waiting with open arms ready to give you all the love you so richly deserve."

"That's right." Lucy nodded in agreement feeling a single tear fall from her eyes caught up

in the moment between them. "Victor is going to be with us when these two decide to

make their grand entrance into this world and it's going to be nothing short of incredible."

"You're incredible Lucy." Kevin replied reaching out to softly wipe away the tear from

her cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too Doc. Always and forever." Lucy replied feeling his lips brush against hers

in a slow, tender kiss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey there handsome. I was wondering when you were going to wake up and check out

this beautiful sunshine that's been flooding into your room this morning." Eve Lambert

smiled greeting Victor as he opened his eyes.

"Am I dead?" Victor questioned still a bit dazed as the room slowly came into focus. "Is

this heaven?"

"Nope, you're still here on this miserable little Earth with us. We aren't letting you get

away this easily." Eve joked lightly moving towards his hospital bed checking all his vitals

before changing his IV. "However I am flattered that you thought I was an angel. I've

heard a lot of things but never that one before."

"Oh Eve, that's a shame. A beautiful girl like you should be called nothing less." Victor

replied dryly as Eve poured him a glass of water. "Ah thank you my dear. A woman after

my own heart."

"Oh stop Victor." Eve replied admiring his charm as she helped him sip his water. "You

know if you keep this up, I'll have to snag you away from Mary Scanlon."

"Mary?" Victor repeated thinking of his beloved as he went into a panic. "Where is she?"

"She's outside in the lobby. I sent Nurse Vinning to go tell her that you were waking up."

Eve explained trying to calm him down.

"What about Lucy and Monk?" Victor questioned on edge remembering his conversation

with Kevin before he'd collapsed.

"They're both with Mary." Eve informed him quickly. "They were here last night with

you. I'll have you know that Kevin was even in here reading you some of that poetry you

enjoy so much."

"Poetry?" Victor questioned in confusion looking up at her. "Oh you don't mean that

book I leave laying around the house for Monk."

"The one with the tattered brown cover." Eve nodded remembering the puzzled look on

her face when Kevin had brought the book out.

"Ugh, no wonder it took so long for me to wake up. I hate that nonsense." Victor shook

his head disapprovingly. "I only used to read that book to Monk before he went to bed at

night because it bored him to sleep."

"It did the same thing last night too." Eve chuckled in amusement remembering how she'd

found both Kevin and Lucy sleeping soundly. "I'd say it took him about twenty minutes to

conk out."

"That's my Monk, but you can't tell him I told you that." Victor explained seriously to

Eve.

"It'll be our secret Victor." Eve nodded in understanding as he made her pinkie swear on

it.

"Good, then it'll be part of our doctor/patient relationship." Victor decided thinking it

over for a moment.

"It's a deal." Eve agreed smiling brightly as the color returned to Victor's cheeks.

"You know this reminds me of when I was back in the Caribbean. I was on a mission and

ended up marooned on this tiny little island with nothing but my basic instincts to keep me

alive until finally a freighter plane noticed my distress signal and picked me up taking my

to this small enchanting village about fifty miles off the shoreline. Anyways to make a

long story short, while I was in the hospital recuperating from my near dehydration, I met

the most incredible young woman. I don't believe she was a doctor, but I could be

mistaken. She had the most incredible smile much like yourself, but anyways as I was

saying, when my superiors finally arrived to pick me up, I was so worried that they'd

discover how my absentmindedness landed me stranded on the island, but before I even

had a chance to explain myself, the beautiful young doctor made up this ridiculous story of

how I'd fought off a savage tiger that was wreaking havoc upon their village. I was sure

the story wouldn't stick, but with the combination of this young woman's wit and tact,

along with some native nectar, they bought the story. Every word of it and instead of

being disciplined, I was commended."

"That's an amazing story Victor, but I'd hardly consider myself on the same level as that

doctor who helped you." Eve replied taking in his tale noticing his eyes light us as he

spoke.

"Eve, don't under rate yourself. You're a wonderful doctor and there isn't anyone

else on staff that I'd rather wake up to, except for Mary of course." Victor insisted with a

bright smile.

"Well, in that case, I suppose it's a good thing that Matt was in a meeting this morning

otherwise you'd be waking up to him since he was the one who was the head surgeon on

staff at the time you were brought in." Eve confessed amused with the spunk Victor

Collins had in him considering the trauma he'd just gone through.

"Well, Matt's a pretty hip cat." Victor laughed lightly feeling his chest slightly sore.

"That's still going to be a little tender,." Eve explained seeing the strain on Victor's face.

"Why don't you take it easy for a while and I'll go look for Kevin?"

"Thank you Eve." Victor replied sinking into his pillow as she walked out the door. He

looked up at the ceiling still not knowing what had happened to him, yet thankful that his

time hadn't been up just yet when he had so many things left to live for.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucy wrapped her arms around Kevin, sinking into him on the couch as they held one

another. She raised her chin up to look at him as his fingers intertwined with hers on her

abdomen. Everything about the moment was perfect and she knew that together

everything would be all right. She'd never felt more at ease then she did in Kevin's arms

and seeing how he'd seemingly relaxed since they'd shared their private moment a short

while ago, she knew that she had the same calming effect on him.

"I could spend forever just like this." Kevin whispered in her ear before they heard a soft

rapping at the door.

"Dr. Collins?" A voice called out on the other side of the door. "Are you in there?"

"It's Amy." Lucy informed him as Kevin stood up to open the door.

"Yes Amy," Kevin replied inviting her into his office as Lucy sat up straighter on the

couch.

"I hate to interrupt you two, but you wanted me to let you know when your father was

awake." Amy explained glancing over at Lucy.

"Thank you Amy." Kevin replied as she left the room. "He's awake."

"That's wonderful news Doc." Lucy smiled throwing her arms around him and giving him

a hug.

"I want to see him right away." Kevin decided unwilling to give it a second thought as he

led Lucy out of his office.

"Luce," Scott called out nearly running into Kevin and Lucy in the hallway.

"Hey pal," Lucy replied noticing that something looked terribly wrong with Scott.

"How's Victor?" Scott questioned turning to Kevin.

"He's stable. The surgery is a success and we were just on our way to see him right now."

Kevin explained eager to see his father.

"That's good. I had a feeling that he would pull through this." Scott replied with a nod

looking over at Lucy once again.

"Yeah well, you know my father. He's always been a fighter." Kevin added sensing that

something was in the air as he turned to Lucy. "I'm going to go check in on Victor."

"I'm coming with you." Lucy insisted squeezing his hand tighter.

"Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like a couple minutes alone with him." Kevin explained

giving her a quick kiss. "Why don't you stay here with Scott until I'm sure that Victor's up

for company?"

"All right Doc," Lucy nodded in agreement, "but I just want you to know that I'll be right

here if you need me."

"I know that." Kevin replied giving her one last longing look before turning around the

corner towards Victor's room.

"How's he holding up?" Scott questioned clearing his throat.

"Doc's doing as well as can be considered under the circumstances. Things were a bit

hectic around the lighthouse last night, but I think that everything's going to work itself

out now." Lucy explained turning around to face Scott. "So tell me Pal, what's on your

mind?"

"I just wanted to see how you and Kevin were holding up." Scott replied looking down at

his feet for a moment.

"Scott Baldwin. Don't even try to pull that garbage on me. I know you better than you

know yourself at times and you should know by now how I feel about people I care about

trying to lie to me." Lucy snapped back at him reaching out and forcing him to look into

her eyes. She noticed the far away look on his face and grew instantly panicked. "Scott

what is it? Is something wrong with Serena? Please don't tell me that she's been hurt

because I don't know if I could deal with something like that right now considering

everything that's been....."

"Lucy," Scott replied pulling her into a hug and cutting her off. "Serena's fine. She's just

fine. I promise you that."

"Then what is it?" Lucy questioned taking note of the desperation in his hug as he held

her tightly. "Scott, what is it?"

"Lucy, I don't know how to say this." Scott began clearing his throat as he took her hands

in his giving them a squeeze before drawing in a breath. "I'm a father."

"Well, no kidding Pal." Lucy grinned thinking of how absurd of a statement that was.

"You know if it took you this long to figure that one out Scott, I'm going to have to say

that you need to spend some time at home relaxing because this should come as no

surprise to you after all these years."

"No, you don't understand Lucy." Scott replied shaking his head trying to think of how to

break the news to her seeing as he was still adjusting to the news. "I have a son."

"A son?" Lucy repeated in confusion. "How is that possible?"

"Well, Lucy, I think you know how that's possible." Scott remarked a bit sarcastically as

he thought of TJ. "Lucy, he's perfect. He's got the most amazing laugh and he's even got

my eyes and I'm not just saying that. He really has my eyes."

"Scott, you've lost me." Lucy replied shaking her head in confusion. "How could you

have a son?"

"Lucy, he's the most amazing child I've ever seen in my life other than Serena of course."

Scott continued thinking back to his visit with Marissa. "He's just so incredible and when

I held him in my arms, I just knew that it was my second chance at life. That things were

starting to work out for me after all and......"

"Woah, slow down Pal." Lucy cut him off realizing he was talking a mile a minute as she

looked at him. "Now take a breath and tell me everything from the beginning."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Knock-knock." Kevin called out opening the door to Victor's hospital room to find Eve

and Victor talking to one another.

"Speak of the devil." Eve smiled as Kevin stepped into the room.

"Monk, it's so good to see you." Victor greeted brightly.

"I'll leave you two alone." Eve decided gathering her charts up deciding to give them

some privacy.

"Thanks for the conversation." Victor called out to her as she walked towards the door.

"Anytime Victor. Anytime." Eve smiled walking out of the room and closing the door

behind her.

"She's a good girl Monk." Victor commented turning to Kevin.

"Yes she is Victor, but enough about Eve. How are you feeling?" Kevin questioned

concerned about his father.

"Better than I did the last time we saw one another." Victor replied growing silent as he

thought about his talk with Kevin. "Monk, I'm sorry for keeping the truth from you all

this time."

"That doesn't matter anymore Victor. All that's important is that you're going to be okay.

Other than that everything else can wait." Kevin explained taking a seat beside his father.

"Monk, I just feel like there's so much left unsaid." Victor sighed leaning back in the bed

and closing his eyes. "There are some things I haven't told you yet and I feel that I need to

be honest with you if we're ever going to move forward."

"Victor, you don't have to." Kevin started realizing Victor was in no condition to be upset

after what had taken place.

"No Monk, I want to." Victor insisted glancing over at his son. "That night at the

carnival, I wasn't completely honest with you about my reason's for being there. When

you and Scott took off after Ryan, I panicked which is a typical response considering I

knew all that my son was capable of. Anyways by the time I arrived at the carnival, I

noticed Eve and Chris going inside and opted to lurk in the shadows waiting for any sign

of Ryan."

"I understand that Victor. I read the police report with your statement on it." Kevin

replied sensing the strain in his father's eyes.

"Yes, but there were a few details I left out in my statement." Victor confessed thinking

back in time to the fateful night. "When I heard the explosions, I was worried about you

Monk. I thought of Ryan's threats in the past to eliminate you and I was consumed by fear

for you and Lucy. After sitting back for so long, I decided that I could no longer take the

agony of waiting a moment longer, so I headed for the carnival, but before I was able to

get inside I was spotted by someone."

"Scott....." Kevin replied suddenly piecing things together. "While he was out looking for

Eve, you were the one he found instead."

"I really didn't mean to hit him over the head, but I knew if I was going to have any chance

at getting to you or Lucy, I couldn't let him keep me detained." Victor replied a bit

sheepishly. "I honestly never expected him to fall to the ground like that, and I didn't have

much time to react after I'd heard the first gun shot go off."

"So you rushed inside to find Ryan and I struggling with one another." Kevin concluded

thinking about what Victor had said.

"I tried to save him Monk, but by the time I'd reached out to him, he was so far gone and I

had no choice." Victor explained solemnly. "You have no idea what it's like to take down

your own flesh and blood like that. It's the worst feeling in the world and no father should

ever have to make a choice like that."

"You did the right thing Victor. Even though it doesn't feel like it, and it may very well

never feel that way, you did what you felt was needed in order for survival." Kevin tried

assuring him. "Ryan backed you into a corner and you had no choice but to react."

"I know Monk, but it still feels so horrible." Victor admitted with a sigh. "There's so

much I still don't understand about why he did what he did."

"I know how you feel Victor, but unfortunately we're never going to get those answers

and all we can do is look forward on things to come hoping that each day the pain will

lessen." Kevin explained reaching out to take his father's hand. "We'll get through this

together."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eve walked out of the on call room ready to take her lunch break eager to get some time

off her feet after the hectic morning she'd been through when she heard someone call out

to her. Turning around she noticed Lucy Coe standing about ten feet behind her.

"Eve, I want to talk to you." Lucy announced moving towards her.

"Yes Lucy, what can I do for you?" Eve questioned trying not to let her attitude get the

best of her.

"I just wanted to have a few words with you if you weren't too busy." Lucy explained

approaching Eve.

"Actually, I was just about to head on out the door at the moment....." Eve started hoping

to find an easy way out of whatever Lucy wanted to discuss with her.

"This will only take a minute Eve. Trust me. I won't make this any longer than need be."

Lucy explained cutting her off.

"Lucy, if this is another one of your...." Eve started a bit irritated as Chris interrupted the

two of them.

"Eve, may I have a word with you?" Chris questioned pulling Eve aside without waiting

for her response.

"Chris, what is it?" Eve replied noticing that Chris was out of breath.

"Have you seen Marissa today?" Chris asked trying to catch his breath.

"No, not at all, but I've spent most of the morning in the ER. Why is something wrong?"

Eve questioned in confusion wondering why Chris was so concerned about Marissa's

whereabouts. "Come to think of it. What are you doing here Ramsey? I thought you had

the day off."

"I can't explain right now, but I promise I'll fill you in on all the details later." Chris

replied darting off down the hallway.

"Boy oh boy, he sure seems to be in a hurry today." Lucy noted watching Chris take off.

"No kidding." Eve commented turning around to face her. "Now, what was it you were

saying?"

"Oh yes," Lucy replied feeling her train of thought come back to her as she heard a voice

call out to her. Turning around Lucy let out a smile realizing it was her wedding

coordinator, Sophie.

"Lucy Coe, what on Earth are you doing here at this ghastly hour?" Sophie questioned

approaching the two women smiling brightly as her large golden ear rings jangled with

each movement she made. "You should be at home getting your beauty rest for the

upcoming ceremony."

"It's a long story Sophie, but it's so good to see you." Lucy smiled hugging the petite

auburn haired woman. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh well, I just happened to be meeting with a prospective client this afternoon. She's one

of the Carlton's. Perhaps you've heard of them." Sophie explained with a hollow laugh.

"They're thinking of pulling together just a small wedding with about four or five."

"Hundred?" Lucy questioned wide eyed thinking it over for a moment.

"No, of course not darling." Sophie chuckled in amusement. "Four or five thousand."

"Five thousand?" Lucy repeated in bewilderment. "That's amazing."

"Yes, well, when you have a reputation to uphold like the Carlton's do, you want only the

best of the best." Sophie explained as Eve took in their conversation rolling her eyes as

she turned away hoping to duck out without being noticed.

"Oh Sophie, where are my manners?" Lucy questioned turning to look at Eve. "Not that

it matters, but this is Dr. Eve Lambert. Evie, this is Sophie D' Amore."

"A pleasure." Sophie replied extending her arm out to Eve.

"Sophie?" Eve repeated eyeing the woman for a moment.

"Yes?" Sophie questioned shaking hands with Eve.

"Have we met somewhere before?" Eve questioned suddenly struck with a strange sense

of familiarity.

"No, I don't believe so, but perhaps you've read about some of my work in the bridal

magazines." Sophie suggested flashing Eve a teethy grin.

"Sophie is one of the most renowned wedding coordinators in the world Eve. Surely you

must've heart of her." Lucy added boastfully. "In fact, if you look at any of the star

weddings, you're sure to see Sophie behind it. She is truly an artist."

"Why Lucy, you're too kind." Sophie smiled nodding at Lucy. "I really appreciate the

vote of confidence."

"You know, I don't think that's it." Eve insisted trying to place Sophie's face. "It's

something else."

"I'm sorry, but I don't recall ever crossing paths with you before Dr. Lambert, was it?"

Sophie questioned tossing her hair over her shoulder confidently. "Perhaps you're

confusing my with someone else."

"No, I could swear that we've...." Eve started again struck with an uncanny feeling.

"Oh Eve, would you just give the woman a break? In fact, now that I think about it, I'm

finished with our little chat for now, so you can scoot on off to where ever it was you so

desperately needed to venture off to before so that Sophie and I can talk." Lucy began

hurriedly.

"Gee thanks." Eve replied rolling her eyes not bothering to waste her energy arguing with

Lucy.

"Of course, now if you'll excuse little Evie, she's a bit uncultured. She's not as worldly as

we are if you catch my drift." Lucy explained to Sophie apologetically as Eve walked off.

"Now where were we?"

"She's not going to be in the wedding party, is she?" Sophie questioned following Eve's

stroll down the hall with her eyes.

"Oh good heavens no. She and I aren't really even friends." Lucy informed her quickly.

"She just happens to cross paths with me from time to time. In fact, she's not even on the

guest list."

"Good because dealing with a person who's charma is so seemingly unpleasant would just

ruin the mood we have going for us at the wedding." Sophie decided directing her

attention to Lucy. "In fact, if you're interested, I have a few things out in my car that I'd

love to show you."

"Well, I don't really think it's a good idea because Doc and I are supposed to be visiting

with Victor." Lucy explained remembering how she needed to be with Kevin.

"It'll only take a minute." Sophie assured her. "Come on Lucy."

"Oh all right, but only for a minute." Lucy agreed following Sophie down the hallway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey Harmon," Eve greeted Matt as she walked away from Lucy and Sophie grateful to

finally escape from any type of conversation with Lucy.

"Hey Eve, what's going on?" Matt questioned looking up from his paper work.

"I was just coming back from checking in on Victor Collins." Eve explained to him.

"How's he doing?" Matt asked setting his pen down on the table top.

"Much better thanks to you. What you did back in the ER was amazing." Eve

commented stepping further into the room.

"Well, it's just part of my job and I'm only glad that it was successful." Matt replied

modestly thinking of the surgery he'd performed the previous evening. "Victor's a good

man."

"That he is." Eve nodded in agreement listening to the sounds of laughter out in the

hallway as Lucy and Sophie passed by chatting amongst themselves.

"So what else is on your mind?" Matt questioned taking note of her attitudinal change.

"I just ran into Lucy and her new best friend Sophie D' something....I don't quite

remember her name." Eve explained walking over to the coffee pot to pour herself a

drink.

"Ah you mean you've encountered the great Sophie D' Amore." Matt chuckled taking

note of Eve's expression as she rolled her eyes. "Oh come on Eve, don't tell me that you

weren't swept away by Sophie's miraculous ability to transform a simple wedding into the

fairy tale event of the century. Ellen's completely smitten with her work."

"Ellen's been talking to her as well?" Eve questioned raising an eyebrow. "Now that's

peculiar considering that Ellen isn't even.....Wait a second Matt! You and Ellen aren't...?"

"That's right." Matt nodded with a grin spreading across his features. "Ellen and I have

decided to make it official and quit living in sin."

"Wow! I'm impressed." Eve replied taking a seat beside him. "Not that I didn't think you

two had it in you, because if I've ever seen the closest thing to the model of true love, it's

you and Ellen. I'm just shocked that you guys are finally taking the plunge."

"Yeah well I suppose you could say that deep at heart I'm still a romantic." Matt sighed

crossing his arms behind his head. "I just figured that it was time."

"Well congratulations." Eve smiled taking a sip of her coffee. "I've got to hand it to you

though, being married, now that's an awfully big step and one I don't think I'll ever be

ready for."

"Oh come on Eve. Your day will come and when it does, you'll be sucked into the whole

wedding fiasco." Matt insisted nudging her lightly.

"Yeah well if the time ever comes, I'm flying off to Vegas because the whole wedding

bash in front of half the world is not for me." Eve insisted with a groan. "Just the thought

of having half the town sitting around at my wedding makes me cringe."

"Ah a woman after my own heart." Matt chuckled amused with Eve's bitter attitude

towards wedding ceremonies. "I suggested the very same thing to Ellen as a matter of

fact, but once Lucy suggested that we do a double ceremony, she was hooked on the

idea."

"A double ceremony? You mean you and Ellen are going to tie the knot with Kevin and

Lucy?" Eve questioned not bothering to try hiding her surprise.

"Ellen was crazy about the idea and well, seeing as she is my world, I couldn't help but

agree to go for it. After all it's her day as much as it is mine." Matt pointed out thinking

about how happy Ellen was about their upcoming nuptials.

"Well, I suppose you'll get my wedding gift in the mail then seeing as I'm sure I'm banned

from Lucy's wedding." Eve added smugly remembering Lucy and Kevin's first attempt at

marriage.

"Hmm, well, I suppose that could pose a problem Eve, but you're my friend and I want

you there when I live that happiest day of my life marrying the only woman who's ever

been able to capture my heart and I'm sure Ellen will agree on having you there when we

make it official." Matt replied assuringly reaching out to squeeze her hand as a wicked

grin crossed his lips. "But I warn you now, if by chance you come across any type of

incriminating information on Ellen, could you please refrain from showing me until after

the ceremony?"

"I guess that means I'll have to hold onto those negatives that Chris has of the two of you

until the reception." Eve teased back with a hint of laughter.

"On the contrary, you can hand them over to me at any time." Matt replied widening his

grin and raising an eyebrow. "They might be useful in preparing for the upcoming

honeymoon."

"Ugh, you're too much Harmon." Eve muttered rolling her eyes noticing Chris rush on by

the on call room.

"Speaking of Ramsey, where in the world is he going so fast?" Matt questioned following

Eve's stare and Chris nearly knocked an orderly down in the process of speeding down the

hallway.

"I'm not sure, but I'm going to go find out." Eve decided taking off after Chris. "Talk to

you later Matt."

"Later Eve." Matt waved turning his attention back to his work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris Ramsey made his way down the hallway hoping to encounter Marissa after his latest

trip to her apartment only to discover that she was gone. He'd spent fifteen minutes

knocking on her door waiting for her to answer until one of her neighbors came out after

hearing the knocking and explained that Marissa had packed up TJ and left a few hours

previously. Now struck with a bad feeling, Chris wondered where she could've gone off

to as he saw Scott Baldwin standing by the nurse's station.

"What the hell did you do to her?" Chris questioned grabbing a hold of Scott by the

collar.

"What are you talking about?" Scott asked caught off guard by Chris' surprise attack.

"Marissa? What did you say to her?" Chris questioned with a sneer backing Scott into the

counter at the nurse's station as he glared at him. "You walked away from her again,

didn't you?"

"You don't know what you're talking about." Scott remarked pushing Chris away from

him.

"She told you all about TJ and you just walked away from her like you do every other

woman who just happens to cross your path." Chris ranted poking at Scott once again.

"What the hell is your problem Baldwin? You have these incredible women falling at your

feet, yet you choose to treat them like dirt forcing them to give up their sense of identity

because the great Scott Baldwin decides he's through with them."

"Ramsey, you have no idea what you're saying." Scott shot back angrily fending off Chris'

jabs.

"The hell I don't." Chris snapped taking a swing at Scott as Eve walked into the area.

"Chris, what are you doing?" Eve questioned stepping in between the two men.

"Eve, stay out of this." Chris warned glaring at Scott.

"No, I won't stay out of this Chris. What in the world has gotten into you?" Eve asked

seeing the rage in his eyes.

"That's what I'd like to know." Scott piped up pulling himself together.

"I'll tell you what I'm talking about Baldwin." Chris snapped at him. "Marissa

disappeared after she talked with you which leads me to believe one thing. You walked

out on her again."

"Not that it's any of your business, but she walked out on me last time. I would never

walk out on her. In fact, I'll have you know that it was quite the opposite the last time I

was with her." Scott explained raising his voice a bit.

"Would someone like to tell me what in the world is going on here?" Eve questioned

realizing they were both too wrapped up in their conversation to pay any attention to her.

"Oh yeah, then why did she take off after she saw you?" Chris questioned trying to calm

himself down.

"What do you mean take off?" Scott asked as Chris' words sank in.

"She skipped town Baldwin. Her neighbor said she saw Marissa take off with TJ and a

few suitcases and she missed her shift today without calling in." Chris explained to him

noticing the surprised look on Scott's face.

"That's not like her to miss work." Scott replied thinking it over for a moment. "Did her

neighbor say anything more?"

"Not a word." Chris informed him softening his tone.

"That's not right. Something's wrong." Scott decided feeling his pulse quicken.

"That's what I'm saying Baldwin." Chris added bluntly as Scott reached for his cell phone

dialing Marissa's apartment. "It's no used Scott. She's gone."

"We have to find her." Scott insisted hanging up the phone. "We just have to."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mommy, I want some more juice. I'm thirsty." TJ called out to Marissa as she drove

down the dirt road.

"I know honey and if you just give mommy a minute, I promise you that I'll get you some

more juice." Marissa replied trying to soothe her son as she reached inside the travel bag

pulling out the last bottle of juice she had left. "Here you go sweety."

"Where are we going mommy?" TJ questioned raising his head up to look outside at the

darkened sky.

"We have to go see grandma for a little while TJ." Marissa explained trying not to let her

fear shine through as she thought of her mother's disturbing phone call earlier in the

morning. "Grandpa isn't feeling well and mommy needs to go see him."

"Are you going to make him feel better mommy?" TJ questioned innocently as Marissa

looked back at his blue eyes in the rear view mirror.

"I'm going to try baby." Marissa replied thinking of her father's weakened condition after

his chemotherapy. When she'd received the call in the morning, it had completely slipped

her mind to call into work telling them she wouldn't be in and when she finally

remembered about work, she'd realized that she'd forgotten her cell phone in her hasty

retreat.

"I'll just call Monica when I reach Ontario." Marissa decided noticing the dark storm

clouds ahead as the radio went out of tune.

"It looks like bowling outside." TJ said shaking his head. "Yes, it's definitely bowling

weather."

"Bowling?" Marissa questioned turning on her windshield wipers as the rains picked up

outside the car.

"Uh-huh. Aunt Suzie told me that when it goes boom outside, it's because the angels are

bowling. Is that right mommy? Is it?" TJ questioned looking at her with wide eyes.

"Of course it is honey, now why don't you try to get some sleep?" Marissa suggested

feeling her tires spin out from underneath the gravel.

"I don't want to sleep. I want to watch Blues Clues." TJ pouted slamming his fists into

the top of his car seat. "Blues Clues. Blues Clues!"

"Thomas James knock it off right now." Marissa warned him feeling the car spin out of

control on the gravel road ahead of her.

"Mommy, what's happening?" TJ questioned fearfully as Marissa struggled to regain

control of the car.

"Just hold on baby." Marissa replied realizing her rear tire had been blown out as the car

flew into a ditch. Taking a moment to brace herself, Marissa looked at the smoke coming

from her tire as the rain began to pour. She heard TJ's cries from the back seat and pulled

off her seatbelt turning around to comfort her son.

"It's going to be okay baby." Marissa replied holding him in her arms realizing that he was

more frightened than anything else. "Mommy's going to find a way to get us help. Don't

worry baby."

"I'm scared mommy." TJ whimpered holding onto her tightly as she noticed a pair of

headlights in the distance. She watched as the car pulled over on the side of the road

about twenty feet behind her.

"TJ, you stay right here. Mommy is going to see if we can get some help." Marissa

explained setting her son securely in the passenger seat of the car. "Now don't you move."

"Yes mommy," TJ nodded to afraid to do anything else as Marissa stepped out of her car

and into the pouring rain approaching the vehicle behind her own cautiously. Placing her

hand on the trigger of the pepper spray she carried around with her, she reminded herself

to be careful seeing as not everyone had good intentions when they found people stranded

in these parts. She noticed that the driver had stepped out of his car and was now coming

towards her.

"Looks like you've found yourself caught up in a bit of a problem." the man called out to

her still about fifteen feet away from her.

"My tire blew out and my son and I are stuck in a ditch." Marissa explained as the

thunder crackled above her.

"Well, that's no problem. No problem at all. In fact, I should be able to get you out of her

in no time." The man replied pulling the hood off of his head to reveal his face.

"Oh thank God it's you." Marissa smiled letting out a breath of relief as she released her

pepper spray placing it back into her pocket. "For a while there I was afraid that I was

going to wind up one of those statistics you see on the television, but I'm glad you found

me."

"I wouldn't let you become a statistic." He smiled eyeing her closely taking note of the

relieved look upon her face. "What were you expecting some kind of lunatic?"

"You never can tell these days, but now that you're here Kevin, I feel a lot better."

Marissa replied leading him towards her car and reaching inside to pull TJ out.

"Cute kid." He nodded as Marissa held TJ in her arms.

"Thank you." Marissa replied with a smile as TJ buried his face in her chest. "Honey,

don't be afraid this is a friend of mommy's. TJ, this is mommy's friend. He's going to help

us."

"That's right." Ryan smiled reaching out to the young boy. "I'm just here to help you.

That's all."

Chapter 33
Marisa looked out the window at the blackened sky as she glanced into the back seat of the car noticing TJ had fallen asleep and was now sprawled across the seat mumbling incoherent words in between soft breaths. Smiling at her son a moment before leaning back and placing her jacket over him, Marisa kissed her son's forehead hoping her jacket was enough to keep him warm after being out in the rain a short while ago.

''He must've been exhausted from being in the car all day.'' Ryan noted watching Marisa taking care of the small child.

''He was less than thrilled that we had to make this trip up to my parent's place, but when I'd discovered that my father was back in the hospital again, I had no choice, but to leave like this.'' Marisa explained closing her eyes for a moment and leaning into her seat. ''I hate putting TJ through the long drive, but at this point in time I didn't really want to leave him with anyone back in Port Charles since it's unclear on what's going to happen with my father.'' ''I can understand that. Family is very important especially during hard times like these.'' Ryan agreed eyeing her closely before glancing back at the small child sleeping in the back seat. ''It's just a shame that he had to be taken out in weather like this. A boy his age really shouldn't be traveling in something like this. The same goes for you too. It's not very safe for a woman and a small child to be traveling alone under these conditions.'' ''I hadn't anticipated that things were going to turn around like they did.'' Marisa explained noticing the dark storm clouds still overhead.

''Yeah, well funny thing about the weather, you can never predict what's going to happen in these parts.'' Ryan continued with a grim expression.

''Tell me about it.'' Marisa agreed with a nod. ''Why just this morning I'd anticipated warm weather, but I guess that teaches me to try to be psychic and predict the future.'' ''Once can never tell how the tables of fate are going to turn around, can they?'' Ryan asked fishing for more information on this woman sitting next to him. So far he'd been able to deduct that she knew his brother and was somewhat comfortable with him.

Thinking of a way to pump her for information, he continued. ''I've known a few people who've played the psychic in the past, but more often than not it's worked out at a disadvantage for him.'' ''Yeah, those are my thoughts exactly, but the other night Lucy was trying to convince me to at least explore the options of karma and psychic occurrences such as deja vu. She was really getting into it when she, Ellen, and I were out. At the least It was entertaining.

Speaking of which, how is Lucy doing?'' Marisa questioned turning to face Ryan.

''Lucy?'' Ryan repeated caught a bit off guard.

''Yes Lucy.'' Marisa smiled. ''I've been meaning to call her, but I've been swamped at work in between the crazy hours and adjusting to the environment. She's been so wonderful with me lately, but in between working around my schedule and finding a sitter for TJ, my days have been a bit pressed for time.'' ''Well, you know, Lucy is Lucy.'' Ryan replied with a soft grin. ''What more is there to say?'' ''Oh I don't know.'' Marisa laughed at Ryan's response. ''I just thought that you two would be busy working on your wedding plans together. She was so thrilled about your engagement the other night when we were out together and at the rate she was talking about it, I'd imagined that it would be the center of your daily routines.'' ''Well, we were in the middle of the big plans, but as usual duty called and I'm expected to give a lecture in Windsor tomorrow afternoon.'' Ryan answered hoping she wouldn't probe him with too many more questions on Lucy.

''Yeah I suppose that can come up every now and then in our line of work.'' Marisa sighed feeling a bit tired herself as she thought about the day's events. ''I just wish that things didn't always have to be so complicated where work is involved. Just when you think you're going to have a break coming up, then poof, something else comes up.'' ''Tell me about it.'' Ryan nodded in agreement casting a glance over in her direction.

''I'm just hoping that this thing with my father will blow over because the last thing I want to be dealing with right now is losing him.'' Marisa confessed with a sigh before looking out the window once more. ''I just don't know if I could handle that right now along with everything else.'' ''Yeah well, in time you get used to living without your father.'' Ryan replied turning the wipers on full stream as he peered out into the road up ahead. ''At first you find yourself asking why it had to happen, but then as time goes on you learn to adjust without him and move on despite the void you feel in your life.'' ''I just don't want to have to deal with that right now.'' Marisa explained suddenly struck with a strange feeling as she turned to Ryan. ''You speak as if you've been through losing your father, yet you still have Victor in your life.'' ''Ah, well, I lost my mother at a young age and Victor and I were separated for a while.'' Ryan added wanting to cover his track. ''So I suppose even though my father is still around, it sometimes is hard to forget that time when I didn't have him.'' ''It must've been hard for you being away from Victor because from what I've seen he's an amazing man.'' Marisa commented looking back at TJ sprawled out across the seat and breathing softly.

''Amazing,'' Ryan repeated with a hallow laugh, ''that's one way of putting it.'' ''He seemed to have a knack with the staff back at the hospital when he was trying to be the card shark.'' Marisa continued looking back at Ryan.

''Victor's a ham.'' Ryan commented looking in the rear view mirror at TJ. ''He's really a sweet kid.'' ''Yeah, I know. I'm very lucky to have him in my life, but he seems to be growing up so fast and I want to savor every second with him.'' Marisa nodded leaning back again and wiping the hair out of her son's face. ''My mother's always telling me, 'Marisa, before you know it, he's going to driving, dating and going off to college'. I keep trying to tell her that I don't want to think that far ahead, but she keeps reminding me that it'll happen.'' ''It happens to the best of us....'' Ryan started a pleased smile curled upon his lips, ''...Marisa.'' ''Yeah I know, but part of me wants him to stay my little baby boy forever.'' Marisa sighed leaning back in the passenger seat. ''So much has happened in his young life already and I don't want him to grow up faster than need be.'' ''It's truly a tragedy when a child is forced to grow up before his time.'' Ryan spoke up lost in his own little world as he drove along. ''I mean youth is about innocence and virtue and if you're not careful the wrong person could come along and rip a child's innocence away without even giving a second thought to what could happen.'' ''Kevin.......'' Marisa spoke up hearing a distance in his voice and seeing a dark expression on his face.

''I'm sorry. I was just letting my mind wander again.'' Ryan explained snapping out of his daze. ''I guess when I think about parenthood, my mind just goes into a world of it's own.'' ''It's to be expected considering that you and Lucy have a lot on your minds between the wedding and the twins.'' Marisa commented closing her eyes and leaning her head towards the window. ''In fact before you know it, you and Lucy will have two little ones around the house and that's when the reality of parenthood will kick in.'' ''Yes, I suppose you're right.'' Ryan smiled seeing how at ease she appeared to be. ''When Lucy has those babies the world is going to change for everyone and I for one can't wait.''

''Well it looks like it's time for us to say our good-byes handsome.'' Eve commented entering Victor's hospital room with a smile on her face.

''Already?'' Victor questioned looking up from his breakfast tray.

''That's right Victor. Everything checked out and once I finish up on the paper work, you're free to go.'' Eve informed him brightly.

''Ah, that's truly a shame because I was really starting to enjoy being pampered by a beautiful woman day in and day out.'' Victor smiled brightly the color returning to his face with each passing moment.

''And I was enjoying the shower of compliments I was receiving, but alas, as they say all good things must come to an end, but don't worry.'' Eve sighed stepping towards him and checking his vitals for a moment. ''I'm sure if you play your cards right Mary will be at your beck and call once you're out of here.'' ''Well Eve, I suppose we could look at it that way or perhaps it's merely a beginning of a wonderful friendship.'' Victor commented looking up at her. ''After all you've been an excellent conversationalist over the past could days and I'd hate to think that we'd lose all of that after my departure from the hospital.'' ''What? You think you're getting rid of me that easily Collins?'' Eve questioned feigning a look of shock before nudging him slightly. ''Not a chance!'' ''I'd hardly consider the idea of getting rid of you. In fact, I banish the thought.'' Victor answered decidedly grinning. ''You're too much fun for me to forget about you. Besides, who else would I get to listen to my stories of espionage and intrigue?'' ''Speaking of which Victor, you promised to tell me about your adventure in Barcelona with the hidden letters, the lost city and the Countess before you slipped away.'' Eve laughed lightly seeing the glimmer in his eyes as he spoke. ''I suppose it looks like I'll have to take a rain check now.'' ''Of course how could I have forgotten such an adventure and as soon as I'm back on my feet again, I promise you'll be the first one to hear my tale of adventure and mystery.'' Victor assured her with a smile.

''I look forward to it. As always it's an adventure just talking to you.'' Eve replied with a grin as Kevin stepped into the room.

''You don't know the half of it Eve.'' Victor smiled looking at his son.

''Well, I can see Eve has earned her money's worth here with you.'' Kevin teased watching their interaction for a moment.

''Your father was just doing his best to keep me on my toes that's all.'' Eve explained with a grin.

''On the contrary, Eve here was just reminding me of how much life I still have in these old bones of mine.'' Victor insisted boldly.

''Old? You?'' Eve asked looking at him and shaking his head. ''I think you mean to say charactered.'' ''Oh Eve, don't try buttering up an old coot like me.'' Victor chuckled in amusement. ''On second thought, keep it up. The flattery is good for the soul.'' ''I'll see you later Victor.'' Eve chuckled patting his shoulder lightly before turning towards the exit. ''Later Kevin.'' ''Eve,'' Kevin nodded watching her leave.

''She's quite a remarkable creature isn't she?'' Victor questioned with a smile.

''Why if I didn't know better, I'd say you were flirting Victor.'' Kevin teased seeing the way Victor's face lit up when he laughed. ''I'd better warn you though Victor, she's a wild one and I don't think your heart could keep up with her...nor do I think Mary will allow it.'' ''Oh Monk please. She's old enough to be my granddaughter. I was merely commenting on the spirit she has.'' Victor explained turning to face Kevin. ''But enough about Eve, I take it you've heard the good news and you're here because of it.'' ''That you're getting out of here today? Yeah it may have crossed my mind earlier.'' Kevin teased hearing the door swing open once more and turned to find Lucy walk into the room.

''Lucy!'' Victor exclaimed eagerly as she rushed over to his bedside embracing him.

''Oh Victor!'' Lucy replied hugging him tightly. ''You know you gave us a little scare the other night and I was so worried about you, but now that I know you're coming home again, Kevin and I are so excited. Why Siggy just hasn't been himself with you gone, but now that he knows you're coming home, he's been going around the house just squaking around spreading the news to everyone and it's as if he wants the whole world to know that you're back. In fact, I'll bet he just knows that you're doing better and I'm sure he's going to be overjoyed when he discovers that his grandpa is okay.'' ''Lucy breathe.'' Victor chuckled giving her a squeeze.

''I'm sorry, it's just that I'm so excited that you're coming home,'' Lucy explained pressing her palm against his face. ''I know you haven't been gone long, but I've missed you.'' ''I've missed you too Lucy,'' Victor smiled looking back at her. ''Things just aren't the same around here without your smiling face. That was always my favorite thing at the lighthouse was seeing you in the morning when I woke up and the two of us trying to make breakfast with one another in between our morning exercise routine. It was always so much fun.'' ''Oh I know and with the babies on the way, it just hasn't been the same without you. I mean the breathing and the exercises, they just haven't been the same without your coaching.'' Lucy informed him with a smile.

''Gee and what am I chopped liver?'' Kevin asked breaking his silence as he stepped towards his father's bed and feigning jealousy.

''Well I mean you've been great too Doc, but Victor has this way about turning everything into a joke and making me laugh no matter how bad of a mood I may be in.'' Lucy explained looking back at Kevin. ''Of course you have that same effect on me as well.'' ''Of course,'' Kevin nodded in amusement glad that Lucy and Victor had bonded like they did, even though it could often lead to trouble. With a light chuckle, he watched them talking to one another and thought of how lucky he was to have the both of them back in his life again when he heard the door to the room swing open once more.

''Hey Victor,'' Scott nodded stepping into the room.

''Pal, what are you doing here?'' Lucy asked a bit surprised.

''I thought I'd come and say hello to the man here and plus I needed to get a word in with your fiancee here.'' Scott explained trying to shield the concern in his voice as he nodded to Kevin. ''Kevin, can I have a word with you out in the hall?'' ''Of course,'' Kevin nodded turning to Victor and Lucy. ''I'll be right back.'' ''Take your time Monk. Lucy and I have a lot of catching up to do.'' Victor assured him with a smile.

''Somehow I don't doubt that.'' Kevin replied with a smile following Scott out into the hallway. After closing the door behind him, he walked a ways down the hall before turning to Scott. ''So what can I do for you this morning Scott?'' ''What can you tell me about Marisa Dupuie?'' Scott asked clearing his throat.

''Other than she's a wonderful woman, Lucy's doctor and a friend of hers what more are you searching for Scott?'' Kevin questioned curiously.

''She turned up missing yesterday.'' Scott explained drawing in a breath. ''Look I don't know how much Lucy told you about Marisa and I, but she skipped town yesterday with my son and no one is sure on where to find her. I tried calling her parent's place up north and her mother mentioned that she was on her way up to their place, but she never made it there.'' ''Your son?'' Kevin repeated curiously.

''I take it Lucy didn't tell you everything.'' Scott commented.

''Well, she'd started to say that you and Marisa knew one another, but things kind of came up with Victor and we never returned to the conversation.'' Kevin explained seeing the worry in Scott's face. ''Did something happen to provoke her leaving town?'' ''Well according to her mother, Marisa's father is sick and she and TJ were on their way to see them, but like I said, she never made it there.'' Scott continued.

''Perhaps she was side tracked on the way. I mean there was a terrible storm around these parts last night and maybe she stopped off some place for the night to take shelter from the storm.'' Kevin suggested seeing the worry in Scott's eyes.

''Kevin there's more. Ramsey and I were searching around for her last night and when we finished, I went back home to the firehouse and there was a message from her on my answering machine.'' Scott explained taking in a breath.

''Then what's the problem Scott? She checked in and you obviously know where she's going, so things should be all right.'' Kevin replied wanting to get back to Victor and Lucy.

''I don't think you quite understand Kevin. In her message, she'd mentioned she was caught up in the storm and her tire was blown out a little past the border.'' Scott informed him with a serious tone.

''Well are they all right?'' Kevin asked wondering where this was leading.

''She says they are, but she also said that it was due to the fact that you were there to help her out.'' Scott replied bluntly. ''She said that you were taking her to her parents house and she wanted me to tell Lucy not to worry about the two of you.'' ''When I was there?'' Kevin repeated blankly. ''Scott, you and I both know that I haven't left Port Charles let alone this hospital for long considering Victor's condition.'' ''Yeah that's exactly my point Kevin.'' Scott insisted feeling his worry build up inside of him. ''IF you were here, then who was it that she's with?''

''It looks like everything is in order and you are free and clear to...'' Eve started stepping into Victor's room to find Lucy, Victor and Sophie talking to one another. ''....go.'' ''Oh Eve, have you met Sophie yet?'' Victor questioned looking over at her.

''I introduced them the other day in the hallway Victor.'' Lucy piped in looking over to Eve.

''Eve,'' Sophie nodded looking at her briefly before turning to Lucy, ''Lucy, now that Victor's doctor is here, perhaps it would be all right for you to come down to my car and look at that floral pattern I was thinking about for the ceremony.'' ''Gee I don't know.....'' Lucy started turning to Victor.

''Go ahead Lucy. I'll keep myself busy until you and Monk return.'' Victor nodded with a smile.

''Okay,'' Lucy replied getting up from off his bed and turning to Eve. ''You take good care of him.'' ''Of course Lucy,'' Eve spoke up watching Lucy and Sophie disappear out into the hallway.

''What's that look for Eve?'' Victor questioned noticing the frown on her face.

''There's something about that woman that just doesn't sit right with me.'' Eve confessed struck with the uncanny feeling that she'd met Sophie somewhere before.

''Really?'' Victor replied sitting up straighter. ''Why do you say that?'' ''I'm not quite sure Victor, but I just have this feeling.'' Eve confessed turning to him.

''Uh-oh, now I know we've been spending too much time together, you're starting to sound like Lucy.'' Victor laughed lightly.

''I'd better stop then.'' Eve muttered rolling her eyes.

''Now Eve, she's not that bad. In fact, the way I see it, she makes my son very happy and she's a delight to have around.'' Victor insisted seeing that look in Eve's eyes.

''If she makes Kevin happy, then who am I to question her?'' Eve replied with a sigh stepping towards him. ''I just need you to sign this paper here and then you're free to go.'' ''You are right though,'' Victor spoke up reaching for the paper.

''About what?'' she asked watching him sign.

''There is something odd about Sophie. I mean she's very friendly and all, but the way she seems to cling to Lucy lately, I don't know. It just seems a bit off.'' Victor sighed handing over the paper.

''So I'm not crazy?'' Eve asked with a puzzled expression.

''No and for a while, I was thinking that maybe it was just the old cynic in me shining through the surface, but then I got to thinking that maybe something isn't completely there with her.'' Victor continued shaking his head. ''I suppose it doesn't matter though because she's helping Lucy make her dreams come true and that's what's important, right?'' ''I suppose so,'' Eve nodded taking back the paper. ''Well, I guess this is the end of the road here.'' ''For now.'' Victor smiled taking her hand in his. ''Thanks for everything Eve.'' ''Don't mention it Victor. You've been a delight and I'll be sure to have Matt come in and say his good-byes too since he played an instrumental role in your recovery.'' Eve replied giving his hand a light squeeze.

''Sophie, that's all very nice here, but I really should be getting back to Victor's room before Doc comes back and....'' Lucy started as they headed towards the elevators.

''Perhaps you could just bring everything over to the lighthouse later and I could call Ellen over. We could all go over it then and....'' ''Lucy, it'll just take a minute of your time.'' Sophie urged pressing the button to the elevator.

''Sophie, I just don't know if....'' Lucy began hearing her cell phone ring in her purse.

''Hold that thought Sophie.'' ''No problem.'' Sophie nodded watching Lucy reach for her cell phone.

''Hello. Yes.....yes......oh Aunt Charlene, what are you doing calling this early in the morning?'' Lucy questioned her voice full of surprise. ''Well yes, I'd been meaning to call you and give you an update on things, but it's been so hectic around here in between life with Kevin and......yes, of course I was planning on having you over before the wedding, but in between doctor's appointments and....no, no Aunt Charlene. Everything is fine.

Really. No, I'm not sick......not at all.....Aunt Charlene, you know I would never hide anything from you....I'm pregnant. I know.....I know it's great. Hold on a second.'' Lucy placed her hand over the receiver of the phone and turned to Sophie. ''Look Sophie, I'd really like to check out those patterns, but I think I'm going to need a rain check here.'' ''Of course,'' Sophie nodded as the elevator doors opened and she stepped inside watching Lucy walk away.

''Okay I'm back.'' Lucy explained directing her attention back to her phone. ''Listen Aunt Charlene, I'd love to tell you every little itsy bitsy detail about what's been going on here, but you see I'm sort of in the middle of something right now and......you are? No, I didn't mean it to sound that way, but it's just that I'm surprised that's all. When? Tonight, well that doesn't leave me much time to prepare Doc, but I'm sure that I'll be able to pull something together....okay, okay. I love you too....Ta!'' Lucy hung up her cell phone and tucked it back into her purse taking a breath.

''Aunt Charlene is coming to town.'' she breathed rounding the corner and walking into Kevin. Feeling a bit winded, she collected herself and met his gaze. ''Doc, there's something I need to tell you. I just got off the phone with my Aunt Charlene and...'' ''Lucy we need to talk.'' Kevin started hesitantly.

''What's wrong Kevin?'' Lucy asked her voice full of concern seeing the look of worry in his dark eyes.

''I just finished talking to Scott and Marisa is missing.'' Kevin explained with a pause.

''What do you mean she's missing? I thought that she was here in Port Charles.'' Lucy started wondering why Scott needed to tell Kevin about Marisa. ''Did the two of them have a fight or something?'' ''Not exactly Lucy,'' Kevin responded placing his hands on her shoulders, ''look I don't really have time to explain, but Scott and Chris are taking off in a little while to go look for her and I'd like to join the search.'' ''Scott and Chris are going to look for Marisa and you want to tag along? What is this Doc, your sick and twisted version of a bachelor party because if it is, you can just tell me instead of making up some silly story about searching for Marisa. Honestly, I'd thought that you'd come up with something more original than that Doc.......'' Lucy started with a laugh.

''Lucy, it's not a hoax. Marisa is missing and it's important that she be found soon.'' he replied seriously.

''I don't understand Kevin. I mean I know Marisa is my friend and all, but if Scott and Chris are going out looking for her, then why would you have to join the search party?'' Lucy asked curiously. ''The three of you can barely stand one another long enough to be in a room together and now you're telling me that you're going on a search for a friend of mine.'' ''Lucy she called Scott last night after her car broke down on one of the highways and she informed him that she was with me...that I was the one who picked her up.'' Kevin informed her meeting her shocked eyes. ''Yeah that was my expression too when Scott told me about her call and it could mean only one thing.'' ''Kevin, he's dead.'' Lucy insisted shaking her head. ''We watched him be carried out on that gurney and be put into that body bag. Scott must've been mistaken about what she'd said. Perhaps he didn't understand.'' ''Lucy, I heard the message and she firmly believes that she's traveling on a highway with me right now.'' Kevin explained pulling her close to him. ''If what she's saying is true, then we need to find her before it's too late.'' ''Kevin, there has to be some kind of mistake here.'' Lucy insisted holding him tightly.

''It could be Lucy, but he managed to fool us before and if Ryan is in fact still alive, then I need to be there when we find him.'' Kevin explained pressing a kiss on the top of her forehead. ''Not only does he have Marisa, but Scott's little boy is with them.'' ''Scott's son?'' Lucy repeated looking up at him.

''That's right Lucy and knowing my brother, if things go as they have in the past, he'll soon grow tired of Marisa and there's no telling what could happen.'' Kevin explained shuddering at the thought.

''Hey TJ, how would you like to stop in and get some breakfast?'' Ryan questioned noticing the small boy stirring about in his back seat after the storm had subsided. ''Maybe some McDonald's or something.'' ''Yeah! Mommy can we? Please?'' TJ asked pulling off his seat belt and tugging on Marisa's arm. ''Please mommy!?!'' ''TJ get back in your seat belt.'' Marisa warned as he moved back into place. She looked at Ryan. ''You really don't have to stop if it's too much trouble.'' ''No trouble at all. In fact I'd love to have some breakfast right about now.'' Ryan insisted looking back at TJ. ''What about some hot cakes and sausage.'' ''And hash brown!'' TJ piped up enthusiastically.

''Then it's settled. Hash browns it is.'' Ryan decided with a grin pulling off the highway.

''How can I argue with that?'' Marisa smiled stretching her feet out as they pulled into the McDonald's parking lot. Marisa unhooked her seat belt, but before she even had a chance to pull it off her shoulder, TJ was in her lap eagerly bouncing towards the door.

''Give me a second.'' Marisa smiled holding her son in her arms.

''McDonald's! McDonald's!'' TJ cheered waving his hands in the air.

''That's right little man.'' Ryan grinned at the child's enthusiasm as he reached over to grab the boy. ''What do you say we get a head start on going inside and let your mommy get ready?'' ''Can we? Can we?'' TJ pleaded turning to his mother.

''Well.....I don't know....'' Marisa began looking back at Ryan seeing the huge grin spread across his face. ''Okay, but don't give Kevin any trouble in there.'' ''I won't. Come on Kevin. Let's go.'' TJ insisted tugging on his arm as the two of them walked out of the car and towards the restaurant.

Marisa looked at her reflection in the mirror for a moment or so before grabbing her purse and following them inside. She opened the door and scanned the restaurant unable to locate Ryan and TJ through the crowd of people. She looked up at the line expecting them to be waiting for their order, when suddenly a panic fell over her. She moved in further into the restaurant searching for them trying not to let the feeling in her chest get the best of her.

''Where did they go?'' Marisa began her voice cracked with concern. She turned around the restaurant giving it one last look when she felt a tug on her pant leg. Looking down she saw TJ and pulled him into her arms. ''There you are.'' ''Mommy, Kevin found us a table over there.'' He explained pointing to a corner booth that was secluded from the rest of the place.

''Okay honey,'' Marisa replied letting out a relieved sigh and moving over to the table.

''You know for a minute there, you looked a bit worried.'' Ryan commented as the two settled into the booth.

''Well you know how that motherly instinct is. Always have to keep your guard up.'' Marisa explained ruffling her son's hair.

''Mom, stop it.'' TJ moaned moving away from her. ''You're embarrassing me.'' ''Oh come on TJ. I am not.'' Marisa teased leaning over to kiss her son's cheek.

''Yuck! Stop it mom!'' TJ warned wiping his cheek before looking at Ryan. ''Women!'' ''Tell me about it,'' Ryan grinned looking at the boy for a long moment before moving in across the table, ''but hey don't worry. You and your mommy are in good hands with me.

Now what do you say we get those hot cakes?''

''No! Not a chance Doc!'' Lucy announced boldly standing in front of the door to keep Kevin from leaving the lighthouse.

''Lucy, please don't make this more difficult than it already is.'' Kevin pleaded watching her spread her arms across the entry way.

''Doc, there is no way that I'm going to allow you to walk out of here like this without taking me with you.'' Lucy explained standing firm in her decision. ''I won't let you face Ryan on your own and there's no use in arguing the point with me.'' ''Lucy, I'm not going to be on my own. Scott and Chris are going to be there as well.'' Kevin started up again.

''More the reason for me to be with you. Neither Scott nor Chris know how to deal with you when Ryan is involved. I know how he gets to you Doc and I also know how hard it is for you when he puts you into these yucky situations and if he is in fact alive, I want to be with you when the time comes for you to face off with him again.'' Lucy explained firmly pressing her body against the door. ''Otherwise you aren't leaving.'' ''Lucy please, don't do this.'' Kevin urged letting out a frustrated moan and setting his bag down. ''Lucy, you're four months pregnant for God's sake!'' ''Like I forgot something that important Doc.'' Lucy muttered rolling her eyes. ''Doc I know what I am and I am not going to let you use it as an excuse to walk out this door and into danger. There's no chance that you're leaving here without me.'' ''Lucy, I'm not going to jeopardize you or the twins by taking you along with me on this one.'' Kevin explained raising his voice a bit.

''Then you aren't going Kevin.'' Lucy snapped back at him. ''I won't allow my children to lose their father because of something like this.'' ''Lucy you aren't going to lose me.'' Kevin explained reaching out to her. ''I promise you that.'' ''I'm not going to let you walk into another one of Ryan's games when we both know what he's capable of.'' Lucy replied looking into his brown eyes so full of rage and anger. ''Doc, I know what he does to you and I can't allow you to put yourself in that dark place he takes you to every time he come around.'' ''Lucy, he's not going to bring me down again. I promise you that.'' Kevin informed her touching her face lightly. ''You have my word.'' ''Kevin, Victor just got out of the hospital and Aunt Charlene is on her way over here as we speak. Why can't you just leave this up to the authorities this time? If Ryan is really alive then why can't the police handle this?'' Lucy pleaded afraid of letting Kevin walk out the door.

''Lucy we both know that my brother is smart and if we sit back and leave this up to the authorities, then there is no telling what could happen to Marisa and her son.'' Kevin insisted meeting her gaze. ''Lucy I know I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to another innocent person and deep down I know you couldn't either.'' ''Doc, I don't want anything to happen to Marisa, but I don't want to lose you.'' Lucy explained with tears in her eyes. ''We've gone through so much to get where we are and to lose you now, I just couldn't bear the thought.'' ''Lucy, you won't ever lose me again and I promise you that as soon as this is over, I'm going to come back home and make you my wife once and for all.'' Kevin assured her kissing her face and tasting the saltiness of her tears on her lips. ''I promise you Lucy that we are going to have our happily ever after.'' ''Then why do I feel like it's being ripped away from us once again?'' Lucy questioned choked up on her tears after they'd parted. ''Why do I feel like I'm losing you all over again?'' ''You're not losing me Lucy. I'm just trying to find a way to ensure that our futures won't be ripped apart from us somewhere down the road.'' Kevin whispered pulling her close to him never wanting to let go. ''I love you Lucy.'' ''I love you too Doc,'' she replied feeling the hot tears stream down her face.

''Don't cry Lucy. Please don't cry.'' Kevin begged wiping at her tears. ''I hate to see you in pain.'' ''And I hate the fact that you're leaving me now when we have so much ahead of us.'' Lucy insisted still unable to let go of him.

''It's still going to be there when I get back. I promise you that.'' Kevin assured her kissing her again as the doorbell rang.

''Please don't go Kevin. Stay....if not for me, then for our children.'' Lucy pleaded unable to shake the horrible feeling in her heart about what was happening.

''Lucy, if I don't do this, then I'll always wonder feeling as if I'd failed our children.'' Kevin informed her as the bell rang again. ''Please understand why I have to do this.'' ''I understand, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.'' Lucy replied wiping at her tears as Kevin opened the front door to reveal Charlene standing before him.

''Why you handsome devil you, I'm going to have to guess that you're Kevin.'' Charlene smiled throwing her arms around Kevin. ''You're every bit as cute as Lucy said you'd be and then some.'' ''Aunt Charlene.'' Lucy spoke up stepping forward.

''Lucy girl,'' Charlene's voice squealed as she released Kevin and rushed over to Lucy.

''Oh look at you. I've never seen you look more beautiful in your life and so radiant.'' ''Thanks Aunt Charlene,'' Lucy replied giving her a hug yet never taking her eyes off of Kevin.

''What's wrong dear? Have you been crying?'' Charlene asked looking at Lucy's red eyes.

''Did I interrupt something here because if you two were in the middle of....'' ''No Charlene, Lucy and I were just about finished in here.'' Kevin spoke up never breaking the stare between them as his heart broke in two. ''I'd better get going if I'm going to meet Scott at the firehouse.'' ''Kevin please.....'' Lucy started knowing that he'd already made up his mind.

''Lucy I love you,'' Kevin answered reaching out to her and embracing her. He knew that the last thing he wanted to do was leave Lucy, but he was compelled to go after Ryan and end this once and for all.

''I love you too,'' she whispered trying to contain her tears as she held him firmly. ''You'd better come back to me at the end of this.'' ''I swear to you that when this is over, I WILL be back here again ready to spend forever with you.'' Kevin whispered feeling his eyes cloud over with tears as he held her closer to him.

''You'd better Doc because if you don't....,'' Lucy insisted after they'd parted.

''I will Lucy,'' Kevin insisted giving her one last kiss before moving towards the door.

''I love you,'' she called out desperately as he stepped onto the porch.

''I love you too,'' Kevin replied taking one last look at her and memorizing everything about her before turning away ready to finish what his brother had started years ago.

''I can't believe that you're actually going through with this Ramsey.'' Eve started to protest watching Chris throw a few things into his tote bag. ''I mean you and Scott can't stand to share the same table at a restaurant, let alone going on a road trip together.'' ''I don't have a choice in the matter Eve. Marisa could be in danger and I just can't sit back doing nothing.'' Chris informed her throwing a few more things into his bag.

''Well, what about work?'' she asked trying to mask her concern. ''I mean we're under staffed as it is around here and with you taking off...'' ''Eve, I already talked to Ellen and she understands completely why I'm doing this.'' Chris informed her briefly. ''Besides, it's not like anyone is going to miss me around here.'' ''That's not true.'' Eve spoke up watching him move across the room. ''I'm sure you'll be missed.'' ''Come on Eve. Who are we kidding here?'' Chris asked looking back at her. ''No one is going to miss me and I need to be here for Marisa. She's been good to me and I just can't turn my back on her.'' ''No one would blame you if you didn't go. I'm sure she would understand.'' Eve started stepping towards him.

''Look Eve, maybe I'm known for walking away, but I promised Marisa that I'd be here for her if she needed me and I think this qualifies.'' Chris explained reaching for another T- shirt.

''What if I said I thought it was too dangerous?'' Eve asked grabbing his hand and pulling the T-shirt from it. ''If you recall the last time you tried to play hero, you ended up in the hospital.'' ''Yeah well if you recall correctly if I hadn't ended up there, you might've ended up cold in the morgue.'' Chris explained taking back his T-shirt. ''I couldn't turn my back on you when Ryan was involved and I won't turn my back on her.'' ''Chris, Ryan's dangerous and if anything you should've learned that the last time.'' Eve started seeing that there was no getting through to him. ''At the very least, if you won't change your mind about this, then let me go with you.'' ''No, not a chance Lambert.'' Chris answered adamantly zipping up his tote bag. ''There's no way I'll put you in the line of fire again.'' ''But Chris, I want to go. I mean maybe I can help you find Ryan and....'' Eve started as Chris reached out to her placing his hands on her shoulders.

''Eve, I appreciate the volunteering on your part, but you're needed here and I'd feel better knowing that you're safe in Port Charles.'' Chris informed her seriously before cracking a slight grin. ''Besides, I know what your real concern is here and I can assure you that I won't take too many pot shots at Baldwin while we're on the road. At least not intentionally.'' ''Chris it's not Scott I'm worried about.'' Eve started meeting his gaze. ''I'm sure he'll be just fine.'' ''Then what is it Eve?'' Chris questioned searching for the answer that lay beneath her wide eyes.

''Chris I just don't think that.....'' Eve trailed off looking away.

''What is it Eve?'' Chris asked a bit puzzled by her strange behavior. He reached out to her and pulled her chin up forcing her to meet his gaze. ''What's going on?'' ''Chris, the reason I don't want you to go is somewhat of a selfish motivation here.'' Eve began taking in a breath. ''I mean I know this is going to sound silly, but I don't want you to leave.'' ''Eve, come on. I promised you that I'd be careful.'' Chris started with a soft laugh confused by her sudden concern.

''I know you'll be careful Chris, but I just don't want you to leave right now because I think that I....'' she took in another breath feeling her heart pounding in her chest as she looked into his sparkling eyes, ''....well, it's just that I think that I might be falling...'' she stopped herself unable to finish her sentence. ''...falling behind.....'' ''Falling behind? You want me to stick around because your falling behind. In what Eve?'' Chris repeated blankly seeing her cheeks were flushed. ''Eve, are you feeling okay? I mean maybe you should try to get some rest or something.'' ''No Chris I'm fine and I really think I need to get this out.'' Eve insisted feeling like an idiot.

''Okay,'' Chris nodded watching her struggling with herself as she took a step back. He sat on the back of the sofa watching her cross the room. ''Well? Anytime now Lambert.'' ''Chris, the reason why I'm against you leaving right now like this is because,'' Eve started stepping towards him and taking his hands in hers, ''well, you're my best friend and I worry about you.'' ''As I do with you.'' Chris replied giving her hand a squeeze.

''Oh gee, who would have thought this was going to be so difficult?'' Eve questioned to herself.

''Eve come on spit it out.'' Chris urged releasing one of her hands and reaching out to touch the side of her face caressing her cheek. ''What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?'' ''Ever since your accident, things have been different for me.'' Eve explained softly.

''Different how?'' Chris asked fishing for answers.

''I can't quite explain it, but something's changed in me Chris and I realized that if anything happened to you, I couldn't bear to live with myself.'' Eve informed him bringing her hand up to cover his feeling the warmth of his touch on her skin. ''Losing you would be the end of things for me and I know that I couldn't handle life without you.'' ''So what are you saying Eve?'' Chris questioned softly as she stepped towards him.

''What I'm saying is that I've had a lot of time to think about this and I'm convinced now more than ever that maybe you and I should consider.....'' Eve trailed off averting her gaze for a moment.

''Should consider what?'' Chris questioned seeing her lip tremble as she met his gaze once more. Without a second thought, he inched in towards her feeling her breath on his face.

''What should we consider Eve?'' ''Our options.'' Eve responded softly feeling his lips so close to her as she found herself longing to kiss him now more than ever.

''What options Eve?'' Chris questioned almost daring her to say what was on her mind as she pressed her body up against his.

''These options Chris,'' Eve whispered closing her eyes and feeling her body ascending towards his in anticipation of a kiss when the door bell rang breaking the moment.

''That's Scott,'' Chris spoke up drawing back instantaneously ending the moment almost as soon as it had started. Without another word, he opened the door to find Scott standing in the hall tapping his foot impatiently.

''You ready Ramsey?'' Scott asked obviously hating the fact that they were working together as he stepped into the apartment.

''Pretty much Baldwin.'' Chris replied reaching for his bag as Eve cleared her throat.

''Hey Eve,'' Scott nodded in her direction.

''Scott,'' Eve replied looking to Chris wanting to say so much more, but knowing that the moment had past. She took in another breath and looked between both of them. ''You know it's funny. I never thought I'd see this.'' ''See what?'' Scott questioned looking at her.

''The two of you working together on the same side of something.'' Eve explained honestly. ''I mean it feels like a bad episode of the Twilight Zone or something along those lines.'' ''Yeah well don't get used to seeing this Eve because it's a one shot deal.'' Scott informed her bluntly turning to Chris. ''You ready.'' ''Ready as I'll ever be.'' Chris replied looking back at Eve. ''You'll be okay.'' ''Of course. Just be careful you two.'' Eve warned walking them towards the door. ''The last thing I want to discover is that two of my closest friends were victims of a serial killer.'' ''It's not going to happen Eve.'' Chris tried to assure her.

''That's right. Ryan won't get away this time.'' Scott added as they took off down the hallway.

''I hope you're right Scott,'' Eve whispered closing the door behind them and leaning up against it closing her eyes. She was lost in her thoughts of her reluctance to open up to Chris when she heard her phone ringing.

''Hello,'' Eve spoke up into the receiver.

''Hey Eve, it's Victor.'' his voice called out.

''Victor hey, what's going on?'' Eve asked dismissing her thoughts of Chris.

''You were right.'' Victor informed her seriously.

''Right? About what?'' Eve questioned curiously.

''I contacted some of my old associates and looked into Sophie D'Amore. You were right.

Something doesn't check out..'' Victor explained with a bit of hesitance in his tone.

''Look, I don't really want to get into it over the phone, but if we could meet somewhere to discuss this.'' ''Say no more Victor. I'm on my way over to the lighthouse right now.'' Eve replied hanging up her phone and reaching for her jacket.

Marisa walked out of the bathroom ready to get back on the road again after they'd finished breakfast. She walked over to the booth noticing that 'Kevin' and TJ were gone and all that was left was the trash from breakfast. With a shrug, she tossed the things into the trash can before walking over to the men's room assuming that 'Kevin' had taken TJ to the bathroom for the fifth time since they'd arrived. She leaned up against the booth closest to the bathroom door and waited for about ten minutes before she began to panic.

''Excuse me,'' she began catching the attention of one of the workers, ''my son is three years old and he's been in there for a while....'' ''I'll go check for you lady.'' the man replied walking into the men's room and returning moments later. ''I'm sorry lady, but it's empty in there.'' ''No!'' Marisa replied struck with a feeling of terror as she burst into the men's room checking for herself. She shook her head unable to come to grips with the fact her son wasn't in there.

''Lady, you can't come in here!'' The man explained following her inside.

''Get out of my way!'' she snapped pushing him aside and rushing out into the lot to discover Ryan's car was missing with only an empty parking spot where it had once been.

''No!'' she screamed out rushing out into the lot in a panic realizing that Kevin and TJ were gone.

''He's got the whole world in his hands.....he's got the whole world in his hands.....'' Ryan sang to himself glancing in the rear view mirror at TJ buckled into the back seat of the car.

''Do you know this one TJ?'' ''Not really,'' the boy shrugged looking out the window. ''Where's mommy Kevin?'' ''Don't' worry TJ. Your mommy is just fine. She had some things she needed to take care of so she asked me to take care of you for a little while, but don't worry TJ because I have some big plans for us.'' Ryan hummed as he drove along the road.

''I miss mommy.'' TJ insisted holding onto his blanket as he pulled his legs up to his chest.

''I know TJ, but don't worry because soon we're going to be having so much fun together and you won't even think about her being gone. I promise you that.'' Ryan answered with a bright smile turning off the highway pleased with his latest conquest. ''He's got the whole world in his hands.......'' .