Kay Bennett stood outside the Lopez-Fitzgerald home her hands shaking from fear. She peered inside and saw Sheridan and Luis on the sofa. Nervously she knocked on the door and took a deep breath when Luis opened it. His brown eyes peered down at her with disappointment and she wanted to run.
“I need to speak with you and Sheridan.” She gulped looking in the house. She could see Sheridan staring back at her, her blue eyes sad, dark circles resting under them as she studied Kay. Regret filled Kay as she realized what she had done to Sheridan. She had helped deprive the woman her child. She couldn’t believe she had been so thoughtless, so uncaring and horrible.

“Kay now isn’t the time. I’d rather not speak to you right now, not until I’ve spoken more with Miguel.” Luis frowned.

“It’s not about Miguel, please Luis I need to see Sheridan now.” Kay spoke this time her voice more demanding. “It’s very important.” Her eyes met with Sheridan’s pleading for the woman to give her a chance.

Sheridan walked over and touched Luis on the shoulder softly. “Let her in.” She whispered her.

Luis nodded his head and moved away from the door. “Come in Kay.” He sighed.

“Thank you.” Kay spoke with a faint smile. Walking over to the pale blue sofa she sat down and looked at the couple. “I don’t know where to start.” Nervously she moved a strand of hair behind her ear and dropped her head.

“Kay what is it?” Sheridan asked.

“Kay is this about Maria?” Luis questioned. “I’m very happy your daughter is okay. I know the pain of losing a child.”

“Our child isn’t dead Luis! Beth has our son.” Sheridan spoke through gritted teeth.

“Sheridan.” Luis whispered looking at her with concern. “We’ve talked about that sweetheart. Our son died.”

“No Luis, he didn’t.” Kay spoke looking over at Sheridan. She could see how annoyed Sheridan was with Luis, and she didn’t blame her. “That’s why I’m here, Sheridan is right Beth Wallace has your son.”

“Of course she has my son.” Luis spoke confused. “She gave birth to my child.”

Kay rolled her eyes and turned to Sheridan finding courage she spoke. “Sheridan, you’ve been right all along. Beth Wallace has your son. The little boy that she is claiming to be her child is yours.”

Sheridan looked at Kay and then at Luis, “Did you hear her?” She gasped. Her eyes lit up and for the first time Kay could see a glimmer of hope in Sheridan’s sad face.

“Yes.” Luis frowned. “And I think she’s more twisted than we thought. Kay how could you say these things? Knowing what poor Sheridan has been through.”

Kay stood up and sighed, “Martin is Sheridan’s baby Luis. I know things, things that others don’t know. You have to believe me, Beth kidnapped Sheridan and put her in a pit and then claimed that beautiful little boy as her own. She was never pregnant; it was all just a front. Get your son and do those DNA tests on him, you’ll find out I’m right. Sheridan knows her son, a mother knows her child.” Kay insisted.

“Luis we have to listen to her!” Sheridan spoke tears falling from her eyes. “If Kay is right then Beth is a sick woman and I want my son away from her now.”

“How long have now known these things Kay? And just how do you know them?” Luis questioned crossing his arms against his chest.

“You know I did horrible things while I was under the influence of evil. I also found out many things. Things I wanted to tell others but couldn’t. I feared for my safety and for Maria’s. Now I have good on my side and I can be honest with what I know. I have no proof Luis, but if you test your son, you’ll find out the truth.” Kay sighed, looking over at Sheridan she frowned, “I wanted to tell you sooner. Martin is your child, you had him while you were in that horrible pit. You’ve been right all along. Beth Wallace wanted that baby and wanted you dead. You have to believe me Sheridan I could never lie about this.”

Sheridan grabbed Luis by the arm and stared in his eyes. Her determination was shown in her eyes as she spoke. “Luis, I don’t care what Kay has done in the past, she is right about our son! You have to go get him, you have to make sure Beth Wallace pays for what she’s done to us!”

“I just can’t see Beth doing these kinds of things.” Luis frowned. “As much as I want to believe our child is alive, It’s just hard to believe.”
 

“Did you think I was capable of the things I did?” Kay challenged suddenly turning to Luis. “Did you think your sister would ever make such a mess of her life? Things happen, people change, and Beth Wallace is a nut case Luis!”

“Listen to her Luis!” Sheridan cried her hands shaking as she gripped Luis’s arm. “Please listen to Kay, I know she’s right. Beth is in love with you, she wants you and our son to be a family. She did all these horrible things so she could have you. Don’t you see, please you have to do something.” She pleaded holding on to his shoulder as tears fell down her face. “I want my baby back Luis, I want to hold him and be his mother! If you don’t do something I will Luis! If I have to rip that woman’s head off to get my baby back I’ll do it Luis! I’ll kill her if that’s what it takes!” Sheridan yelled through tears.

Luis looked over at Kay and then back at the woman he was holding in his arms. “Okay.” He whispered. “Don’t cry Sheridan.” He whispered kissing her cheek. “I’m going to get Martin, we’ll have him tested.” He promised.

“Beth will never allow that.” Sheridan whimpered.

“I am Martin’s parent, I will get to the bottom of this.” Luis spoke taking Sheridan by the hand. “Let’s get you back to the cottage and then I’ll go take care of things. I want to get in that basement too, if Beth has done this to us I will make that woman pay for the rest of her life.”

“Luis I want to go with you to get Martin.” Sheridan pleaded. “I want to be with our son.”

“Sheridan I don’t know.” Luis frowned. “I’m simply going to tell Beth I’d like to have Martin for the day. Then I’ll take him to Eve and see if she can help me out.”

“Still.” Sheridan spoke determined. “I want to be with you.”

Luis shook his head, “Sheridan I just don’t know.”

”I want to talk to Mrs. Wallace, I think I can get her to open up to me. I’m not taking no for an answer.” Sheridan spoke her voice going from begging to demanding. “You know me Luis, and you know I’m going to do this.”

“Ok.” Luis smiled kissing her forehead. “I know I can’t win with you. If you’re ready, let’s go get Martin.”

Sheridan turned to Kay as they headed out the door, “Thank you.” She whispered through tears.

Kay smiled through her own tears as the couple ran out the door.

“What was that all about?” Miguel’s voice suddenly boomed from the doorway. “And what are you doing here?”

“Miguel.” She frowned. “How long have you been standing there?”

“What are you doing here Kay? Did you come to try to get my brother on your side?” He questioned his voice angered as he slammed the door behind him.

“I think we need to talk.” Kay spoke her blue eyes becoming angry.

“Fine.” Miguel grunted pointing to his bedroom. “It’s more private in there.”

Kay walked in Miguel’s bedroom and over to his window. She looked out at the street and sighed, “So now I’m not allowed in your home?” She questioned pausing for a moment. “You hate me that much?”

He stood like a stone statue his arms crossed against his chest staring at her. “I don’t hate anyone.” He muttered. “But what I’m feeling, I never thought I could feel it. Now tell me what you are doing here?”

“You just don’t want me in your house? I get it now.” Kay spoke shaking her head. “Not that it’s any of your business but I was here to talk to Sheridan. You’ll find out soon enough what it was about! Believe it or not Miguel my world doesn’t revolve around you!”

“Kay, I never said it did.” Miguel frowned. “I just thought you were talking to Luis about what you did.”

“I was talking to Luis about his son!” Kay yelled. “I was telling him and Sheridan something very important.” Shaking her head she walked over to his nightstand and picked up a photo that had been bothering her since it caught her eye. “What’s this?” She questioned.

“Um it’s a picture of Charity.” He spoke looking at her. “Why?”

Kay didn’t speak; instead she turned the picture frame over and opened it. Pulling out a picture behind Charity’s she frowned. “I bought you this photo frame, and I put a picture of me and our daughter in it for you. I can’t believe you covered our photo up with Charity’s!”

“I have other pictures of our daughter in my room Kay.” Miguel frowned. “It’s no big deal.”

“No big deal? You covered your daughter’s photo with Charity’s as to say Maria is second to that little twit! Do you realize that this is what you were doing in life Miguel? Putting Charity first?”

“Kay you’re taking this way too far! I love our daughter, I love her so much!”

Kay dropped her head, “Can I ask you a honest question Miguel? If Charity had came to you with her little problem with Death what would you have done? Would you have sold out your daughter so you could have been with your precious little blonde? Honestly Miguel, I want to know. You say you can’t stand Charity now, but what if? What if she had been the perfect little thing you know her as and she would have came to you all in tears? What would you have done when she told you, you could either have her or Maria but not both? Just how long would it have taken you to make up your mind?”

“Oh this is just great Kay! You’re the one who did all those evil things and you’re throwing things on me now? What is this? Your attempt to make yourself look better?” Miguel shouted.

“Me look better? How could I possibly do that?” Kay laughed angrily. “I was a horrible monster, I see no good in that! No Miguel this isn’t about me at all! This is about you putting Charity first.”

“I ended it with Charity! I told you I can’t stand what she did and I don’t want to see her.”

“Yeah because she went behind your back. I want an answer Miguel; what if she had came to you? You talked about your pure sweet love for Charity, was that love so great that you would have gave our daughter up for it?”

“I would have never let my daughter die!” Miguel yelled. “How could you even think that? Yes I loved Charity, I still love her but I don’t like her! I lost every ounce of respect for her last night. If she had came and told me what Death said I would have dealt with it and walked away for Maria! Charity isn’t the person I thought she was, and neither are you. The two women I have looked to for so long are like strangers to me now. All I have left is my daughter.”

Kay rolled her eyes, “Oh stop being such a drama queen! You have your whole family! You have Pilar and Theresa and everyone else in this stupid town on your side. You’re far from alone Miguel!”

“I lost you and Charity in one moment Kay! I do feel alone! I feel scared and I’m going out of my mind right now!” Miguel spoke his voice lowering as he sat down on his bed. “How could you do it Kay? How?”

Kay dropped her head as she looked at Miguel. She glanced around the room at the memories Miguel had hanging on his walls. Flashes of their childhood swept through her mind. Nights when they would talk until morning laughing about nothing in particular. Everything they had been through, all Miguel had done for her floated through her head as she closed her eyes absorbing the moments almost as if they were they last she would have with him. Taking a deep breath she dropped to her knees in front of Miguel and looked up at him. The pain that showed in his hazel eyes was almost too much for her to take. The guilt she was feeling was suddenly flowing over her as her tears began to fall. “What have I done to us?” She whispered. “Miguel what did I do to our friendship?”

“Kay you really should go.” Miguel whispered. “Please.”

“Look at us Miguel, look at what we’ve came to. We have to fight just to have a conversation. I did this, I did all of this to us out of jealously.” She whispered. “I turned you and this town against me just because I wanted you to love me. I knew your weaknesses and I used them against you. I played with your life so I could have my way. What kind of human being does that? What kind of person is so twisted that they would sell their soul to get what they want?”

Miguel watched as the strong willed woman he knew fell apart in front of his eyes. She sat in his floor her knees clutched against her chest as she cried. He watched in shock, froze in his position on the bed. His heart was torn as he saw her rocking back and forth as the tears wrecked havoc on her tired body. His heart screamed for him to reach down and hold the best friend he loved so much. His mind however reminded him that the person in front of him wasn’t that friend. He replayed every word that Kay had spoken the night before as his mind and heart battled on what to do. He could never hate her, as much as he wanted to, he simply could not feel hate for Kay. Instead he felt hurt, more hurt than he had felt in years. If he was honest at himself he was more upset with her than Charity. With Charity he was furious, but Kay, his heart just hurt.

“Kay.” He whispered his voice cracking as her blue eyes looked up at him. “You can’t do this Kay. Maria needs you, she needs us both to be strong for her.”

“I’m not strong Miguel, I stopped being strong long ago. Don’t you see?” She cried. “Charity has always been stronger than me, I was the weak one, I’m still the weak one.”

Miguel choked back the tears his mind telling him to wipe the tears from Kay’s face. Shaking the thought away he frowned, “We have to figure something out for our daughter Kay. We have to keep her happy.”

“What about us Miguel? Are we ever going to be happy again?”
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Fox Crane watched as Whitney walked out of his bedroom Little Ethan in her arms. She blushed shyly when he smiled at her as she passed him in the hall. Stopping she looked up at him and smiled, “I’m very happy for you and Theresa, Fox.” She whispered though the words seemed forced. “She’s a very lucky woman.”

“Yeah about that.” Fox began but stopped when he saw Theresa appear at the door.

”Fox can we talk?” She asked with a huge smile on her face.

“Uh yeah, I think that’d be a good idea.” He nodded taking a deep breath.

“I’ll take Ethan to his room to get his bags together.” Whitney spoke.

“Thanks Whit.” Theresa smiled as her friend disappeared down the hall.

Fox followed Theresa in his room knowing what was to come. He hated hurting the first person he had became friends with in Harmony, but he knew he could never live the life his father had lived. He couldn’t let Theresa be his T.C or Ivy. No he wouldn’t do that to her, and he couldn’t walk away from the love he felt for Whitney. His father’s story was tragic, and the thought of repeating it was too much for him.

“Fox, I want to thank you for always being here for me. You have been a true friend to me since the first moment I saw you.” Theresa spoke her big brown eyes dancing.

“Theresa wait.” He spoke but it didn’t help. Theresa walked over to him and smiled.

“It’s ok Fox, I’m ready now. I know how you feel about me and I’m ready to be more than just friends. I want to explore us.” She whispered her voice slow and sexy.

Fox stepped back and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Theresa we can’t do that.” He spoke his voice nervous. “There’s something you need to know.”

Theresa shook her head her smile never leaving her face, “Fox relax I already know what your going to say. You are scared because I just gave up on Ethan, but honestly, Ethan and I have been over for so long.”

“It’s not that.” Fox sighed. “It’s nothing like that.”

“Fox I’m confused? You want to be with me, I know you have feelings for me.” Theresa whispered looking up at him with confusion.

“No Theresa, I don’t.” The words fell from his lips and he knew they had hurt her deeply. He watched as she stepped backward her eyes brimming with tears.

“You don’t?” She questioned.

“I’m so sorry.” He began. “Honestly I never wanted to hurt you. I just didn’t want the woman I love to find out how I felt. I just couldn’t tell her at the time. It was so much easier for everyone to think it was you. You were so crazy about Ethan I just ever thought it would hurt. I never expected you to give up on him.”

“What?” Theresa gasped. “The woman you love? I’m the woman you love Fox.”

“No Theresa.” He frowned. “I’m not in love with you, I’m in love with Whitney.”

“Whitney?” She spoke glaring up at him. “You’re in love with Whitney?”

“I’m sorry Theresa, honestly I am. I just couldn’t tell her.”

Tears streamed down her face as she took a step toward Fox. “How could you do that to me? You’re in love with my best friend? Oh my gosh how stupid am I? I thought you wanted me! I thought you wanted us to be together. I can’t believe this, I can’t believe you’d hurt me like this Fox!”

“Hurt you? Theresa I had no idea you had feelings for me. I’m sorry I lied, I really am. You have to know I never meant for it to get so out of hand.”

“Does Whitney know? Does she know about this?” She questioned as her voice began to rise.

“No!” He spoke quickly. “I promise you Whitney has no idea about anything! I just couldn’t let this go on. I couldn’t pretend to be in love with you.”

“Oh because it would have hurt your chances with Whitney?” She shot at him. “You’re just like your brother Fox! You’re just like Ethan.” She yelled.

“Now that’s pretty low.” Fox grimaced.

“Shut up Fox, do you think this is funny? You’ve made a fool of me. I thought you wanted me but all you really wanted was to use me to get closer to my best friend.”
Fox moved his hand out to touch her but Theresa resisted. Pushing her small frame past him she walked to the door and turned back. “I’m taking my son and getting out of this place. The Cranes have made a fool of me for to long!” She cried. “Goodbye Fox.”
 

Fox walked to the door and watched as Theresa ran down the hall. “I’m sorry Theresa, but I had to tell you the truth. I just hope in the end Whitney will understand.”

____________________________________
 

Charity Standish walked down the stairs of the Bennett home her bags in her hands. Taking a deep breath she looked around before quietly heading toward the door.

“Running away Charity?” A voice spoke from behind her. “So now you’re not just selfish you’re a coward too?”

“Jessica.” Charity spoke without looking.

“Turn around Charity, I want to look at the monster you’ve become.”

Charity slowly turned around to see her younger cousin staring at her, “Jessica if you’ll just let me go I’ll be out of your life in a few seconds.”

Jessica rolled her eyes, “So you’re just going to leave? You were willing to let my niece die last night and now your going to sneak out of town? Even Kay had enough courage to stay and take the heat.”

Charity dropped her head, “You hate me don’t you?”

“Hate is a very strong word.” Jessica frowned. “You know my boyfriend was singing your praises just a while ago. He tried to convince me that I should forgive you for almost killing Maria.”

“Almost killing Maria?” Charity gasped. “I think your going a little too far.”

Jessica shook her head, “Let’s look at the facts Charity! Death told you that if you didn’t give up Miguel his daughter would die! You choice Miguel over her life! If it hadn’t been for the other people in this town giving up things Maria wouldn’t be here now.”

“I tried to give Miguel up! I tried when Maria was born!” Charity yelled.

“That makes it worse.” Jessica spoke shaking her head, “You let that little baby suffer, you didn’t give Miguel up the first time and she almost died! How could you be so selfish? What kind of person are you?”

Charity’s eyes went down to the floor. “I just wanted Miguel. I love him so much, I just couldn’t say it, I just couldn’t imagine living without him.”

“But you could imagine him living without his daughter? You could imagine my sister putting her child in a grave? As much as I dislike my sister for all the evil things she’s done, I could have never let her child die. Kay is a lot of things, but she loves her daughter and you were willing to let that baby die.”

“I’m sorry.” Charity whimpered. “I’m so sorry Jess, I was so weak.”

“And selfish and pathetic and heartless, I could go on you know.” Jessica shot her eyes glaring angrily at Charity. “You pretended to be so sweet and innocent, but your not! You’re not the person you portrayed at all!”

“I’m not horrible Jessica, I’m not!”

“Is that why you’re leaving? Going gets tough so you just run?” Jessica asked. “Go ahead Charity get out of here, just get out of this house and this town.”

“Jessica stop it!” Reese suddenly yelled as he ran in from the kitchen. “I heard you yelling outside, what’s going on?”

“What’s going on?” Jessica questioned. “She’s leaving, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Reese looked over at Charity and frowned, “You can’t leave town Charity, your family is here.”

“Family?” Jessica laughed. “This is not a family. My sister is evil, my parents aren’t speaking and she’s a selfish little brat!”

Reese touched Jessica’s shoulder, “Jess sweetie you should calm down.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Jessica spoke staring up at Reese. “I have a right to my feelings.”

“Of course you do it’s just that Charity isn’t horrible.” Reese sighed. “She made one mistake.”

“It could have cost my niece her life, that’s not some little mistake Reese.”

“I should just go.” Charity frowned.

“Yes you should!” Jessica yelled. “Just leave Charity!”

“Jessica, Charity is your cousin, you’ve always been so close you can’t do this now.” Reese frowned. “She needs you.” Reese touched his girlfriend’s hand but Jessica pulled away.

“You know what Reese, if you want to help Charity go ahead, but leave me out of it!” She yelled as she stomped away and ran up the stairs.

“I’ve lost everyone.” Charity whispered. “I lost everyone I love.”
_________________________________________

Noah Bennett frowned as he walked along the pier. It had been so long since he had been in Harmony. He couldn't believe he was back, he never intended to actually come back. When he left he had his reasons, college was the perfect excuse for him to pack his bags and leave the little town behind. He looked around realizing that the town hadn't changed. His family however was no more. They were simply people related but refusing to speak. He hadn't seen his father yet and he almost dreaded the moment they saw each other. He knew his father would tell him things were fine, he would say he was glad he was there but he shouldn't stay long. His father would want to handle everything on his on, but he couldn't allow that. No, despite his reasons for leaving town years ago he was back now and he intended on staying until things were settled.

He heard a slight sniffle and glanced around to see a small young woman crying. He couldn't see her face, but the petite figure looked very familiar. Shaking off the thoughts of who it could be he walked over to the woman and frowned.

"Excuse me madam." He spoke touching her shoulder gently. "Are you ok?"

She turned around her big brown eyes gazing up at him and she gasped. "Noah?"

Noah quickly removed his hand and took a step back. "It is you." He grumbled.

Her tears poured down her face taking her eye makeup with her. "Noah, I, I've missed you."

Noah laughed angrily as he crossed his arms against his muscular chest, "Sure you have Theresa, sure you have."