Kay Bennett folded the blanket she had used the night before and let out a yawn. She had never liked sleeping on the sofa, but when she came into her dad’s house the night before she just couldn’t bare the thought of going upstairs and facing her sister.
“I made coffee.” Her father’s voice boomed from the kitchen door.

Kay looked up and saw his tired eyes looking away from her. “I’d love some but I have to get going, Dr.Russell called, looks like Maria is coming home today.”

“That’s great.” Sam spoke with a forced smile. “I’ve been very worried about her.” His voice wasn’t warm, his tone dull.

Kay dropped the blanket on the sofa and frowned. “We should talk.” She whispered. “About what I’ve done.”

“I have work.” Sam answered quickly. “And you should be at the hospital with your daughter.”

“Daddy.” Kay called as he walked toward the door. “I’m sorry.”

Sam stopped and turned to look back at his daughter, “I know.” He nodded. “I believe you truly are it’s just very hard for a father to hear his daughter admit to so many horrible acts.”

“I’m so sorry daddy, I never wanted to hurt you.” Kay whispered. “I’m sorry I let you down.”

Sam looked into his daughter’s sad blue eyes and took her small hand in his. “You let yourself down Kay. I will always love you, but this, this is just too much for me right now.”

“Please daddy, forgive me.” Kay begged. “I need you to forgive me if no one else ever does.”

“Oh sweetheart.” Sam sighed, “I’ve already forgiven you, I may not understand but I have forgave you.”

“You just can’t forget can you?” Kay questioned knowingly.

“You should go Kay.” Sam frowned. “Bring your daughter home where she belongs.”

“Here?” Kay questioned. “Daddy, Charity lives here.” Kay whispered looking up the stairs. “And I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to see her. There are too many things in this house I could use as a weapon.”

"Charity lives with your mother now. She packed her things and moved last night. So you have your room back.” Sam spoke. “And when Noah leaves we’ll turn the guest room into a nursery for Maria.”

Kay frowned, “You want me to live here?” She asked. “After all the things I’ve done? Jessica hates me daddy, she never wants to look at me again.” Kay whimpered. “I just don’t know if moving back is a wise idea.”

“You belong here with us Kay.” Sam spoke his voice tired. “You need your family.”

“Is that why Noah’s back?” Kay questioned. “Because of me?”

“I called Noah because I thought you needed him.” Sam nodded. “This family needs each other right now.”

“Even mom?” Kay asked. “Daddy she picked David over you. Maybe Ivy was tricking her but she still picked him.”

Sam dropped his head, “I haven’t forgotten that Kay and I won’t.” He frowned. “But you and your sister need her, and so does Noah.”

“No daddy I don’t need her.” Kay argued. “I’m fine without her.”

“Don’t lie to me Kay.” Sam warned. “You do need your mother.” Looking at his watch he frowned. “Now I have to get out of here, I hope to see my beautiful Maria when I get home.” He smiled.

“Daddy I still want to talk.” Kay called out.

Sam turned and looked back at his daughter, “We will, in time we will.”

Kay stood at the door and watched as her father got in his car and drove away. A tiny smile fell on her face as she realized just how normal it felt to be doing that very thing. When she was a child she would stand on the porch, get a kiss on the cheek by her father and then watch him as he pulled out of the drive. Back then she saw him as some sort of super hero. Her daddy was more powerful than superman or batman, he caught the bad guys, and he never had to wear any silly tights to do it. Coming back to reality she let out a sigh and turned to go back in the house.

“Kay wait!” A voice spoke just as Kay was shutting the door. Rolling her eyes Kay flung the door open and came face to face with Theresa.

“What?” She questioned. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m looking for Noah.” Theresa spoke staring up at Kay. “Is he here?”

“Noah?” Kay spoke walking outside and shutting the door behind her. “How did you know he was here?”

Theresa rolled her eyes, crossing her arms defensively she frowned, “I talked to him.”

“You talked to Noah?” Kay questioned. “What did he say?”

“He was rude.” Theresa huffed. “I don’t understand why he treated me like he did and I want to talk to him about it.”

There was a fear in Kay’s eyes that Theresa didn’t understand. A panic that went over her that proved that there was much more to Noah’s behavior than she had previously thought. “What did my brother say to you?” She asked again.

“He told me I’m self-absorbed. He was totally out of line with me. We used to be such good friends, and I didn’t deserve to be treated like that.”

Kay rolled her eyes, “You don’t get it do you Theresa? You never got it, how could you be so clueless?”

“Excuse me?” Theresa fumed her eyes glaring up at Kay.

“Do you really not know what Noah’s problem is? Are you still so naïve in thinking, that you don’t understand why he left town or why he treated you like that?”

“Am I missing something?” Theresa asked taking a step back.

“Yes!" Kay spoke throwing her arms in the air. “You’re missing everything! My brother left town because of you Theresa! He has stayed away from here for the last few years so he wouldn’t see you.’

“That just doesn’t make sense, Noah and I were very good friends. He even asked me to the prom.” Theresa frowned.

“The prom.” Kay spoke calming herself. “Let’s talk about that prom for a second. Do you remember that night? Do you know how excited my brother was to be taking you to the prom? He had so many plans for that night, so much he wanted to say to you. He had a limo ready, and he had spent everything he had saved just to make that night special for you. Then he got your call, you told him you were sick do you remember? You lied to him and said you couldn’t make it.” Kay frowned.

“Yeah and he found out why.” Theresa nodded, “But he got over it.”

“Got over it?” Kay laughed angrily. “You weren’t there when he found out that you’d been hiding in the Crane bushes all night. You didn’t see his face when Miguel and I told him what you were up to. You never knew how he found out did you?”

“You told him?” Theresa spoke. “That figures.” She grunted. “You and Miguel were such brats back then.”

Kay shook her head, “We heard you talking to Whitney, telling her how Ethan Crane was going to be home and you just had to sneak a peek. You laughed about how you weren’t worried about Noah, because even if he found out he’d forgive you, you two had that kind of friendship.” Kay fumed. “Well guess what? When I told my brother what you were up to, he went in his tux to the Crane mansion. He had to see for himself that I was telling the truth. Do you know what we saw when we got there Theresa?” Kay asked as her hands fell to her hips. “It was the most pathetic thing I’ve ever witnessed in my life. You were hiding in those bushes, dressed in black, you had your binoculars pointed toward Ethan’s window and was staring in hoping for just a glimpse of him. But you didn’t see Ethan, because he wasn’t there.” Kay smirked. “He never showed did he?”

“Noah saw me there?” Theresa swallowed. “Why did he do that? Why would he go through so much trouble?”

Kay saw the blank look on Theresa’s face and rolled her eyes, “You just don’t get it do you Theresa? My brother was in love with you! He was going to stay in Harmony and go to school here because of you! He bought you this beautiful necklace to give to you that night, because he was going to tell you how he felt! You crushed him that night, you broke his heart and then you spent the rest of the school year stomping on it with your talk about Ethan being your fate!”

“He was in love with me?” Theresa choked. “Noah?”

“Yes Noah! The guy that did everything for you, who loved you despite your fairytale dreams. He wanted you for who you were, unlike Ethan he loved you flaws and all.” Kay spoke.

“I can’t believe I didn’t see it.” Theresa whispered dropping her head. “I can’t believe I didn’t know.”

“I can.” Kay spoke with a bitter laugh, “Because you and your brother are just alike! You only see what you want to see. You two are like a disease when it comes to my brother and me, but Noah he was smarter he got away. He escaped before you could destroy him completely. He loved you for so long, and he believed you’d forget your fantasies of Ethan Crane. Do you know what it did to him to find out that your Ethan was his brother?”

“But Noah is so strong.” Theresa frowned. “You act like I ruined his life.”

“Well lucky for him he stopped drinking after he almost died one night. So I guess you didn’t ruin his life.” Kay muttered. “His love for you did change him though.”

“Almost died? Noah didn’t drink!” Theresa spoke shaking her head. “Now I know your lying.”

“He didn’t drink until the night he found you crawling around the Crane Estate. That night he got in dad’s liquor cabinet and got so drunk he passed out in the floor. Lucky for him mom was in bed and dad was working late. With Simone’s help we got him up to his bed. After that he was drinking all the time. When he started college he went to a party and ended up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. Dad used the ‘boys will be boys’ excuse and mom of course used it as an excuse to whine about where she went wrong. Noah stopped drinking that night, he said it wasn’t worth it.”

“I didn’t make him drink!” Theresa spoke crossing her arms. “I had no idea how he felt, or that anything was going on. You can’t blame me for Noah drinking because I didn’t put the bottle in his hand.”

“You’re right Theresa, you didn’t make him drink. His loving you did that, just like my loving your brother turned me into something ugly and horrible. Neither of you did anything but turn a blind eye to what was staring you in the face!”

Theresa let out a angrily breath and frowned, “So its our faults you two made wrong choices?” She questioned. “You can’t blame us.”

“Why not Theresa? You’ve been blaming everyone else for your problems for years, why can’t we do the same?” Kay challenged pretending to think for a moment Kay snapped her fingers, “Oh wait I know!” She spoke her eyes wide, “Because we’re not Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald the town’s golden girl. When we mess up people blame us, when you mess up people say ‘poor Theresa she was lead astray’.” Looking at her watch Kay frowned. “I don’t have time for this, I have to go. I’m picking Maria up today. Just stay away from my brother Theresa, he doesn’t need anymore grief from you.”

__________________________________________
 
 

Whitney Russell looked at the piece of paper that was in her hand and then up at the apartment in front of her. Fox had called that morning with the address asking her to meet him there. Shaking her head she lifted her hand to knock on the door just as it swung open.

“Well its about time.” Fox’s voice laughed as he came into view.

“Um, Fox what are you doing here?” Whitney asked peeking over his shoulder.

“Come in and I’ll tell you.” He smirked. He looked her up and down, his eyes finally resting on her beautiful dark eyes. Her smile made his heart flutter, and Fox Crane’s heart, never fluttered. There was something about her, something he couldn’t explain. Whitney Russell had his heart, and that was something no other woman had ever done before.

Whitney walked into the large apartment and gasped. “This place is huge.”

“Isn’t it thought.” Fox agreed. His eyes danced as he watched her look around the room. He could see that she was captivated by the beauty of the place. He loved watching her, the excitement in her eyes, and the glow on her face.
“So what do you think about it?” He questioned. “I admit right now you can’t get the whole visual, after all it does need furnished, but I think that can be arranged.

Whitney scanned the large room, from the beige walls to the hard wood floors, “It needs color.” She spoke, “But its beautiful, but I don’t get it, why are we here?”

“Because I just leased it.” Fox smiled. "And I was thinking, maybe you’d like to be my roommate.” The words came quickly from his mouth and he hoped she didn’t catch the nervousness in his voice.

“Roommate?” Whitney asked with a laugh, “Are you kidding me?”

“I kid not.” Fox spoke walking over to her. “If you’d like you can take a look around, there’s a small bedroom downstairs, and a full bath, the kitchen is that way.” He pointed, “And then upstairs, I think you’ll find plenty of space.” He knew he sounded like a salesman, but he had to sale Whitney the idea. It was the first step to something wonderful, if only she’d agree.

“Are you serious?” Whitney questioned. “I can’t afford a place like this.”

“I don’t expect you to, however if you do feel you want to help out, we will need to eat, you can help out with the basic bills and such.” Fox suggested. “You did say you couldn’t bare to live at home, and I would hate to think of you in some tiny apartment on the other side of town. It’ll be fun, two friends just hanging out.” His eyes danced as he threw out his sales pitch, “So want to look at the upstairs?”

“This is crazy Fox, we could never share a place. What about you and Theresa?” Whitney questioned.

Fox’s smile fell, “I’m not with Theresa. Whitney, she wasn’t the girl I told you about, the woman that makes me crazy, it wasn’t Theresa.”

“Fox, I thought you loved her.” Whitney gasped. “She must be heartbroken.”

“I’ve never been in love with Theresa, I love someone else and I’m sure Theresa will be fine. It was just a few days ago that she believed fate would give her Ethan back. Now back to the matter at hand.” Fox spoke quickly changing the subject. “You should see the huge walk in closet in the upstairs bedroom. I was going to let you have first pick you know.” He laughed.

“Fox.” Whitney smiled, “This is such a sweet gesture, but us sharing this place? Do you really think it would work?”

“Of course I do.” He nodded. “You’re one of my best friends, why wouldn’t it?”

“It would just be strange.” Whitney shrugged. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“And I think you’re chicken.” Fox challenged watching as Whitney’s eyes suddenly lit up.

“Chicken?” She asked crossing her arms. “I am not chicken.”

“Yes you are.” He nodded with a smirk, “You’re afraid to share this place with me, afraid of what people will say, and dare I say afraid of my charm and good looks.”

“Oh I am so not afraid!” Whitney laughed. “I could live here, and you are so full of yourself!”

“So, move in.” Fox smiled, “I’ll even take the bedroom downstairs.”

“Can I see the rest of this place first?” Whitney questioned arching a eyebrow.

“Why of course beautiful.” Fox laughed taking her and as he led her upstairs. His plan had just been set in motion, and it wouldn’t be long until Whitney Russell loved him as much as he loved her.

_____________________________________________

Malaya Crane walked down the stairs to see her father sitting reading his paper. He had aged in the five years since she had been gone. His hair was much grayer and she could see that time had tired him somewhat. She had went up stairs to the room she had once lived in as a child, the night before. Her family hadn’t been in when she walked through the doors of the Crane mansion so she didn’t bother finding them. Now as she stood watching her father she couldn’t help but wonder what his reaction to seeing her would be.

“Daddy are you busy?” She spoke with a smile. She saw her father’s expression change as he slowly dropped the paper and stood up.

“Malaya?” He spoke turning around to see his daughter standing in front of him.

“I hope you don’t mind me coming home for a visit.” She laughed surprised when he ran to her. “I got in last night but everyone was already in bed.”

“Malaya, darling what are you doing here? I had no idea you were even coming.” Julian spoke with a smile. “Look at you, you’re beautiful.” He spoke hugging her warmly. “You look so much like Sheridan now.”

“You think so?” She asked. “My friends always say I look like the pictures of mother I have.”

“You do not look like your mother.” Julian spoke shaking his head, “You look like your aunt.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t call to tell you I was coming, but I really wanted to come to Harmony for awhile.”

“You don’t have to apologize my darling its wonderful to see you.” Julian smiled. “But you could explain to me why you’re not in school?”

Malaya dropped her head, “Yeah, about that.” She sighed. “Well, since I graduated from high school a year early, I wanted to take some time off before college. I know I should have started, but I really wanted to come home and visit my family.”

Julian frowned, “You know how important education is Malaya.”

“Yes, of course I do, but I have spent so much time away. It’s been so long since I’ve saw you, or any one else for that matter.” Looking up at him with big blue eyes she frowned, “Are you mad?”

“Well I suppose I should be, but I’m not.” Julian smiled. “I have no right to be mad, after all I’ve been a horrible father to you.”

Malaya didn’t speak, instead she let out a sigh and looked around, “Someone did some remodeling.”

“Rebecca.” He muttered.

“I don’t like it.” Malaya answered bluntly. “The colors, everything, it’s all wrong.”

“Which is why I am having someone come in and change everything.” Julian spoke. “The day I got rid of Rebecca, I made the call.”

“Yes, I spoke with Ethan on the phone. He gave me a short run down of things, said his half-sister’s baby almost died, but was somehow brought back to life, because people gave up things? Didn’t make much sense to me, but it was Ethan talking.” She smirked.

“Yes, many things came to light a few days ago, things that allowed me to get rid of Rebecca once and for all. She left town chasing after Ethan and Gwen.”

Malaya nodded her head, “Ethan also told me about my little brother. Which brings me to the other reason I’m back.” Malaya smiled.

Julian looked over at his daughter; she was beautiful, and so forgiving. His relationship with her had always been decent. She seemed to understand his failures, and though he knew she wanted more from him, she didn’t push. He knew in his heart that it was time for him to start pushing however. “Ethan Martin?” He questioned. “You came because of my son with Theresa?”

“He is my brother daddy.” Malaya spoke crossing her arms. “I want to see him, get to know him. He’s little, and I can bond with him in a way I never bonded with my other siblings.”

Julian nodded his head; “Little Ethan is staying with Theresa now. He’s a good little boy, Fox actually has a very good relationship with him.”

“Well I want to see him.” Malaya spoke again. “It’s very important to me.”

“I will arrange something at once.” Julian smiled. “It is very nice to have you home Malaya, even if you should be away at college.”

Malaya rolled her eyes; “I’m going to go to college, that is if grandfather doesn’t marry me off first.”

“Marry you off? Malaya is father trying to use you as a business deal?” Julian asked.

“Of course he is.” Malaya nodded, “I don’t knew the details, because frankly I don’t care. The guy is in his forties, owns some large business that grandfather has decided he wants. It really isn’t important because I will not be used in some merger.”

“No, no you will not.” Julian fumed. “I will handle this darling, I will not let my father use my children the way he used me.”

“Daddy.” Malaya spoke her voice sweet, “Do you really think you can do anything with grandfather? You never have been able to really stand up to him.”

Julian looked at his daughter; he remembered why Malaya had always been a favorite of his. She was blunt, but sincere and that had always made a difference. “Things have changed.” Julian spoke. “I am willing to stand up to father, I will not let him use you or any of my children.”

“This is odd.” Malaya spoke arching a eyebrow, “Your being so father like.”

“Yes, yes I am.” Julian spoke realizing it himself. “Well I suppose people do change.” He smiled.

“Perhaps.” Malaya nodded. “Of course I might find that more believable if you had called me back all the times I called.”

Julian’s eyes became confused, “You called? I never received any messages.”

“Of course I called, I called to give you information about my graduation, but you never showed. I’ve called many times, I talked to Rebecca a few times, the maids once or twice, I did my best to reach out, but never heard from you.” Malaya frowned.

“Rebecca.” Julian muttered. “Please forgive me Malaya, but Rebecca never gave me those messages. I’m truly sorry I missed your graduation, I’m sorry for many things in fact.”

“It is in the past.” Malaya shrugged although her eyes told a different story. “So can you call Little Ethan’s mother? Set up a visit for me? I brought him a few gifts, I do hope he likes them.”

“I’m sure he will, I’ll make that call now.” Julian smiled. “Its wonderful to have you home Malaya.”

“Thank you daddy.” Malaya spoke, “I think I’ll go finish unpacking now, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not dear, and please choose any room in the house.” Julian told her as she headed up the stairs.

“I already decided on my old room.” Malaya nodded. “I’ll see you soon daddy.”

______________________________________________
 

Sheridan held tight to the baby in her arms. Standing in the hospital she looked around, her mind going back in time to the night before. Everything was so clear and she knew the memories of that night would haunt her for the rest of her life.

Edna Wallace opened the front door of her home to see Sheridan and Luis standing in front of her both nervous and angry.

“Where’s my son?” Luis questioned entering the home, Sheridan right behind him.

“And where’s Beth?” Sheridan asked.

“Beth is out.” Edna spoke. “Is something wrong?”

“We know Mrs. Wallace.” Sheridan spoke looking at the older woman. “We know everything now. Please where is my son, and don’t lie to me, I know the truth now, I know that Martin is my baby, the son that was took from me.”

The older woman dropped her head, “I don’t know what you’re talking about Sheridan.” She frowned looking away.

“Mrs. Wallace, please if you help me, I’ll protect you. I promise just tell us the truth and I will make sure you are taken care of. You’ll never have to worry another day. Just tell me the truth, tell me what Beth did to me.” Sheridan pleaded as Luis walked back into the room with Martin.

Mrs. Wallace watched as Sheridan quickly took the child from Luis and kissed him. “I can’t do this anymore.” She spoke her voice quivering, “I can’t keep a mother from her child.”

Sheridan was in complete awe of the little boy in her arms. She kissed his cheeks and smiled as he cooed in her arms. Tears fell down her face as she held him tight to her, “He’s my baby.” She cried. “He’s my little boy.”

“Yes! Yes he is!” Edna spoke turning to Luis, “My Bethie is evil, pure evil and she must be stopped. She kidnapped poor Sheridan, and she took that child, all because she wanted you.”

“I can’t believe Beth turned into that kind of monster.” Luis frowned. “I can’t believe she did this to Sheridan.”

“She must be stopped Luis!” Sheridan spoke. “If you don’t stop her, I will. She will pay for this, if I have to use the Crane name to do it so be it!”

Luis shook his head,”She will pay Sheridan, Beth will pay for hurting my family.” Taking out his phone he dialed a number, “Sam, this is Luis, get over to Beth’s house right away.”

Sheridan shivered as she came back to reality. Somehow Beth had been alerted that she was busted, and because of that Sheridan still didn’t feel safe. The police had been searching for her, but Luis, he had been with Sheridan, helping her through the whole ordeal.

“I love you my precious child.” She spoke kissing her son on the forehead, “And I’ll never let you go. Mommy will always be here, I promise you I’ll never let anyone hurt you.”

“Sheridan?” A female voice spoke. “Oh my gosh, you have him.”

Sheridan looked up to see Kay standing in front of her, “Yes, thanks to you I have my son back.”

“I can’t believe it, what happened? Did they get Beth?” Kay asked her words running together.

”Beth’s mother confessed everything, but Beth is on the run.” Sheridan frowned. “I had to come to the hospital to do the blood work, soon we’ll prove once and for all that this beautiful little boy is my son.” With a sigh Sheridan looked down at Martin, “I also had the doctors examine my son, he’s been with that monster for so long, I was terrified he wouldn’t be healthy.”

“Oh Sheridan, I’m so sorry.” Kay frowned. “I feel so horrible for what I did to you.”

“You gave me back my son Kay.” Sheridan smiled. “You were the first person that Luis really listened to, and for that I will be forever grateful.”

Kay looked at the baby that was now sleeping peacefully in Sheridan’s arms. “He knows you’re his mother.” She smiled.

“You think so?” Sheridan asked. “I’m so nervous.” She spoke. “You’ve had your baby for a while now, “I’m just getting my son and I’m not sure what I’m doing.” She laughed nervously.

“You’re going to be a wonderful mother.” Kay assured her. “I have no doubt that you and Luis will be great parents to your son.”

“Thank you Kay.” Sheridan smiled. “How is Maria? Luis said she might be coming home soon?”

“She’s coming home today, which is why I’m here. I can’t wait to take her home, my little girl has been through so much in her little life.” Kay looked down at the book she was holding in her hand. “Today’s a new day for her, I want her to know how much I love her, and I need to right a few wrongs to do that.”

Sheridan looked at the book and became confused, “How is a baby name book going to help?”

Kay laughed, “My brother Noah is back in town and informed me that naming my daughter Ivy was a insult to her. I thought about it, and he’s right. I only gave her that name to make my mother mad, and my daughter doesn’t deserve that. So if Miguel is ok with it, I was thinking of changing her middle name.”

“Changing her name.” Sheridan spoke looking down at her son, “You know I’ve been thinking about that with Martin. I realize Beth named him after Luis’s father, but he’s my son, and I always wanted to name him. Theresa’s son already has Martin’s name anyway.” She sighed.

“I think its only fair for you to name your son.” Kay nodded. “In fact if you want you can have this book, I just can’t decide on a name, so I thought I’d ask Miguel what he thinks.”

“You don’t mind?” Sheridan asked.

“Of course not.” Kay laughed handing Sheridan the book. “I really need to go now, I can’t wait to get my baby home.” Turning to walk away Kay looked back and waved before disappearing down the hall.

Sheridan sighed and looked down at her son. “I wish daddy would come back.” She spoke. “He got a phone call that might tell us where that mean lady is that took you from me.”

“Sheridan.” Luis spoke walking around the corner. “There you are.”

“Luis!” She spoke, “Did they find her? Did they find Beth?”

Luis nodded his head, “Yes they found her, there was a police chase though, and Beth crashed her car.”

Sheridan’s eyes became wide, “Luis, where is Beth? What happened to her?”

Luis dropped his head, “She’s on her way to the hospital Sher, its bad, the cop I talked to said they’re not sure she’ll live much longer.”

Sheridan gritted her teeth, “She better make it, because I want her to look me in the eyes when I tell her that after all the horrible things she did to me she didn’t beat me. I have my son and you, and I want her to know that!”