At the thought of a beloved collapsing, the secluded are unmasked as the life support of a soul mate is questioned...

Alia and the Boy:Mission to Glory

Book 3
Do you like to slow dance?

Written and directed by Dan Sherrill
and Wooden Box Theater

The shift guard looks puzzled as Crayonnah Corda'Lie waits by her phone for a phone call. One that could see her released from prison. She wears the typical orange outfit with a number on the back. As he walks by to do his daily rounds and aleeting the kitchen that lunch is almost ready, he stops at her cell as she signals for him to talk to her.

Crayonnah Corda'Lie-Can I communicate with the planets C'ila or Iley?

Guard-Not at this time.

Crayonnah-Even though I am engaged to marry Dan Sherrill? He's an Iley and C'ila commander.

Guard-Let me check your report.

He walks away leaving her in tears as a flash of light appears to startle her.

Eleanor-How are you holding up?

Crayonnah-I'm in prison over your great grandson, how am I supposed to feel?

Eleanor-You're in here to think about your actions, not to be tried. Family knows. About this. I watched the funeral from my monitor in Heaven. And the reception. And him crying by my casket today. This was hard for me. I saved your life, you know that right?

Crayonnah-But why?

Eleanor-Because you are worth it.

Crayonnah-What am I really in jail for?

Eleanor-To rid you of all distractions in your life. I will personally make sure that you are treated fairly. You make him happy. I have reviewed footage of the two of you and I found what I was looking for very clearly. I also reviewed scenes from the night you two broke up the second time.

Crayonnah-And now I'm in jail because of it.

Eleanor-Don't get this confused. One of the guards here is Empress Alia. This isn't a real jail.

Crayonnah-Excuse me. Then why am I assigned a number?

Eleanor-Sometimes seeing someone in danger can make them tell the truth. He loves you dearly.

Crayonnah-Have I lost him?

Eleanor-No.

Crayonnah-But he cut off my communication with our people. I was supposed to move into the C'ila base next to the club. There's a room for me there. I was looking so forward to it.

Eleanor-Where you? If you can't contact him by phone how else do you think you could?

Crayonnah-This pains me to be in here. What do you believe?

Eleanor-That you are the one he has waited for his whole life, but that's just me. His ex wife never had the kind of access you have been given by Alia and the group.

Crayonnah-Why me?

Eleanor-Maybe it was time for you two to finally meet.

After the funeral he makes his way to her house, for some reason the door is open, so he walks in. A woman sits at her dining room table. She is familiar to him.

T-Eleanor wanted you to have this.

Dan-It's her file.

T-Who's?

Dan-Crayonnah, my girlfriend. Or ex girlfriend, I don't know what to call her.

T-The one you were sad over at the visitation.

Dan-Yeah.

T-What is it?

He opens the folder to reveal court papers, fingerprints, all of the murder charges, and copies of the guily plea bargain for her life. On both murder charges. He also sees her entire affiliation with Pathri'Jen and Mr. Corda'Lie outlined.

T-This looks like someone you might want to stay away from. I know how you are, Danny. You always are quick to try to help someone, but look at this. The murders range from New Mexico for the first one to a farm near Northville a small part of a town inbetween the lake and Sheridan. Damn. She's actually wanted in several counties for ID theft. It says her name on one of the charges is Elena Knight'la.

Dan-What do I do? Quesiton her on this stuff?

T-Eleanor was always looking out for you.

Dan-I can't believe I'm looking at wanted posters from New Mexico with her picture on them. So should I call her Elena or Crayonnah? Or my new fiance. It says one armed robbery was dropped for some reason. It stems from an incident with Pathri'Jen in a place called Serena which is a short way from the base on C'ila. It's not far from here.

T-I'll drive you if you want.

She looks back at Eleanor from her cell.

Crayonnah-You're awfully quiet.

Eleanor-I'm thinking.

Crayonnah-About what.

Eleanor-I wish I could bring the projector here from Heaven. It shows very clearly what happened. A woman gave him JoaBeth's number. It was a friend of his. That night she discredited a long standing conspiracy to him. But then again, she was drunk too, and wrote JoaBeth's number on Dan's arm. It looked like a tattoo in the footage, but anyway as it happens the number was either wrong, old, or Dan wrote it down wrong when he washed it off his arm so that you wouldn't see it.

Crayonnah-What does that have to do with me?

Eleanor-Easy. She's just like him. Just read the book he gave you and it explicitly details his continued feelings for her. He told the woman that he should've married JoaBeth in 1996. He told her that and then looked back and saw you and you looked like a mess in the footage I watched. Then the friend told him that he should have married JoaBeth and that she's still around and single.

Crayonnah-Damn! Well, do you like JoaBeth?

Eleanor-I know she's from C'ila and very important to him. Being on C'ila makes him remember her. But again as he has said and as she has said his love for her was based on listening to rumors about her situation before she left C'ila. Now that she's back and now that he knows that for a fact, it might be tough for him to not try to contact her if you hurt him like you did.

Crayonnah-If he has all these unresolved feeling for her, why not just write me off and forget about me? I mean why cut off my communicvation and keep me here in a cell, but then turn around and insist I keep his story and angel and CD he made for me?

Eleanor-He isn't closing the door on you, yet. I have something for you.

She opens her purse and pulls out the engagement ring that Dan had thrown away at the hospital.

Eleanor-The Father let me have my purse and this ring. He said Dan was upset and acted foolish in the hospital when Jesus came in to question you. Wear this ring. If you want to. It's yours. Look even your name is written on it, 'Elena Knight'La.'

Crayonnah-So you know?

Eleanor-That your from the planet, Xaiya? That you're truly a C'ila by heritage. Your entire file, including court documents and everything are on my dining room table. My relative and him are probably reading it right now. Knowing my great grandson he will probably try to investigate it and find out who the real you, the real 'Elena' is. Use this to your advantage in winning him back and winning your way out of here. I am not your friend or your enemy, but I can help you. Just be patient and stay here.

Empress Alia-She's right, Elena.

Crayonnah-Alia? So you two were in on this together?

Once they arrive in Serena, T makes a stop at a local gas station for coffee and an energy drink for Dan. They notice a police officer running radar outside in his car. She walks up closer.

T-I'm looking for information on an armed robbery that took place here about 3 years ago. Have you heard of a woman named, well, either Crayonnah Corda'Lie or Elena Knight'la.

Officer Gray-Yeah. She robbed this gas station.

T-I have the records in a folder but it doesn't say why or how the charges were dropped.

Gray-Follow me to the police station, it's not far.

As they pull out to follow him, he makes a call to the station preparing them for the worst.

Gray-I need you to pull the files on Elena Knight'La AKA Crayonnah Corda'Lie and her friend Pathri'Jen of Xaiya.

Officer Ten-Who wants to know?

Gray-A C'ila commander. Hey did you know Eleanor passed away recently?

Ten-Yeah, hey isn't that Dan Sherrill from C'ila with that woman? I thought I could hear his voice in the background. Strange that they would be investigating Crayonnah. Real strange.

Gray-Anyway, have the file on my desk when we get there. This could get interesting.

Once they arrive the full report is pulled up on micro film.

Ten-The story we heard was that Pathri'Jen set Crayonnah up, and a Mr. Corda'Lie made Crayonnah or Elena as she is known, take his last name as a way of protection. He's a crime boss operating out of A-Town. One of our officers was threatened by him if he jailed Crayonnah and Pathri'Jen. We couldn't do it.

T-But why not? He didn't try to save her when she was convicted and jailed for not one but two murders?

Gray-He's not as powerful now. I understand an incident occured near a club on C'ila, near your base. She was apparently thrown from a car?

T-I believe and I think his grandmother believed that the woman jumped from the car and faked her own injuries. She gave her life to prove that.

Gray-Nice woman. And I will really miss her.

T-Anyway, it's something to do with proof of Danny's soul mate.

Gray-And you two believe it's this ex convict who has murdered two men and has been sentenced about a dozen times in two states?

Dan-You shouldn't hold that against her?

Ten-If you were my kid, I'd tell you to rethink your love for her.

Dan-What if I believe in her innocence.

Ten-Then watch as your heart breaks.

She opens her purse and uses her cell phone to call a ticket agent.

T-Two round trip tickets to New Mexico.

She then looks over to Dan sitting in front of the two officers and smiles.

Dan-That's all we need officers, it looks like we're going to New Mexico.

His C'ila comlink flashes.

Guard-It's her, Crayonnah, she wants to talk to you.

Dan looks at T and makes the decision to communicate with her once again.

Crayonnah-Don't leave me. Don't ever leave me.

Dan-I'm going to New Mexico. I'm glad you called, Elena.

Crayonnah-You need proof that I am your soul mate.

Dan-Put the guard back on the phone.

She hands the phone back to the man who put the call through.

Guard-Hello?

Dan-I am a commander of the 'C'ila" mission. My fiance is beiong held there until further notice.

Guard-Yes?

Dan-Treat her like she's part of the Iley Starfleet. I'm on my way to New Mexico on a fact finding mission.

Guard-When will you be back?

Dan-Tomorrow night.

Guard-She keeps trying to call North Iley and Xaiya. A few minutes ago I found her choke sobbing over you. Are you sure you want to go all the way to New Mexico to investigate someone who obviously loves you. Otherwise she might be trying to escape, you know, if she didn't love you. Granted, this isn't a real jail and just a makeshift cell, there are ways of breaking out of here, none of which she has tried.

Dan-Put her on the phone.

Crayonnah-Yes?

Dan-What am I going to find in New Mexico if I go there?

Crayonnah-The past.

Dan-So that means if I go I will be holding your past against you, right?

Crayonnah-Yes.

Dan-What if I stay and say to Hell with what happened to you in the past and let's move on from here as husband and wife? And start over fresh?

Crayonnah-I will love you.

Gray walks closer to Dan, showing him Crayonnah's police report including her fingerprints and head shots.

Gray-We never convicted her of any wrongdoing.

Dan-Why, officer?

Gray-Because when we got past some of her comments and her smart mouth, we found out a few things about this woman. And they checked out completely.

Dan-I will call you back, honey, okay?

Crayonnah-I love you.

Dan-I love you, too.

Gray-Listen, one of us in this room has a problem discerning gossip from fact, and it isn't me. Now I just sat here and listened to you talk to her, a convicted killer, and you have her in a cell somewhere awaiting your supposed test results to make you believe that this the woman, the world famous 'Soul Mate' of Dan Sherrill, and this is how you respond to finding out who your mystery woman really is? By cutting off her comminication to your friends on Iley and C'ila?

T-He has a point.

Gray-I would be at the makeshift jail on C'ila breaking the door down to save her. There is no need for you to come here and try to dig up her past and hold it against her. Your job as her soul mate is to sit down and talk to her. Don't hesitate to compliment her beautiful body and eyes. Look at these headshots of her. She's beautiful.

Dan-Why is this so hard?

Gray-Because sometimes when we get hurt so much in our lives by this girl or that girl when the right one comes along it's sometimes hard no to be cautious or scared. Hell, you went through a divorce from what I hear. Right?

Dan-Yes.

Gray-So, naturally you're scared to death right now of getting hurt. But do not hold anything against this woman. She obviously loves you or else she wouldn't be hounding the guard at the jail to try to reason with you.

Dan-You're right.

He calls her back.

Guard-Yes?

Dan-I would like Crayonnah Corda'Lie's communication access with Xaiya, C'ila and Iley reinstated immediatly and let free from the cell, and made able to walk by herself back to her room inside our base.

Guard-Miss Corda'Lie?

Crayonnah-Yes?

Guard-Invite me to your wedding.

When she goes to check out of the holding facility, she slips and reveals her entire name to the doorman. Maureen Elena Knight'la.

He stops for a second after checking to make sure the items she brought in with her could be returned.

Nathan-Aren't you 'The' Maureen Knight'la?

Crayonnah-I am.

Nathan-You often go out on a limb to proove your love for someone like this?

Crayonnah-When it's necessary. When the one you love slips right through your fingers. I almost lost him.

Nathan-Who?

Crayonnah-The love of my life.

Nathan-You're a long way from Xaiya, your majesty.

Crayonnah-I know. I had to take drastic measures to insure that when we did meet, he was ready for me. Now I must say that this challenege is worth it.

Empress Alia walks from her car to meet the now revealed Queen of the planet Xaiya.

Empress Alia-Communication has been reinstated, your majesty.

Crayonnah-Thank you. It was his doing, wasn't it?

Alia-He doesn't know that you are who I know you as. Yet, anyway.

Crayonnah-Don't tell him.

Alia-I will let you do that. You are okay from the accident, I mean Mr. Corda'Lie and Pathri'Jen didn't hurt you too much?

Crayonnah-No, nothing I couldn't handle.

Alia-So now you know.

Crayonnah-That he loves me. It looks like our plan worked.

Alia-Can I call you Maureen, Elena or Crayonnah? All of your names are getting confusing to the reader, as well as to Dan.

Maureen Elena Knight'la(Crayonnah)-Call me by my given name.

Alia-Thank you, your majesty. Are you ready to board my shuttle back to see Dan?

Maureen-In a minute. I should call Mr. Corda'Lie and Pathri'Jen to make sure they are okay and that the act we put on didn't hurt him too much.

Alia-I just felt that with all that's happened to him that it was the right time to call you and to finally have you two meet.

Maureen-I understand. We've been close to meeting a few times, but it just didn't seem right, or maybe he just wasn't strong enough to handle me, yet.

She feels a tap on her shoulder. It appears to be T and Dan and the officer from Serena.

Gray-We got here to C'ila as fast as we could.

Maureen-How did you guys know where to find me?

Dan-I had the call traced. I was hoping you hadn't left. It's only half an hour or so from Serena to C'ila. We need to talk.

Maureen-Yes, we do.

Gray-I'll go ahead and drive T back to her car.

Maureen-Thank you.

Alia-You two have a lot to talk about.

Maureen-Dan, listen to me. Call me Maureen, not Crayonnah.

Dan-But I thought...

Maureen-I am a queen. I have been leading you to believe otherwise because I wanted you to love me for who I am, not how much money or glory I have.

Dan-What of the files? The murder charges?

Maureen-Eleanor made those on her computer. With my picture.

Dan-And the cell you were jailed in?

Maureen-Alia had it built, in the basement of the dance club. Next to the base. I was fine.

Dan-Then were your wounds from the accident real?

Maureen-Makeup.

Dan-Should I be pissed off at you for lying to me?

Maureen-No. Because I did it out of love for you. I wanted you to accept me. Pathri'Jen and Mr. Corda'Lie were given money to pretend to take over Heaven and to make it look like I jumped out of the car. I did it for you. It was the only way to get your mind off junk food and destroying yourself after your divorce. Otherwise if we had met at a club or something while you were still eating yourself silly, you might not have noticed me as much as you did.

Dan-So you waited until the right time?

Maureen-You felt love me without even knowing I was the queen of a planet.

Dan-You're right.

Maureen-You fell for me on my own merit. Not because you wanted to sleep with me right away, or take advantage of me, but you truly fell for me and in doing so I was in a position to rescue you from a pretty fucked up situation. Right? How would you have gotten through it without me? Without meeting me that night, and the night of the fair, and every other time you thought of me or turning on the cell phone with me and helping me get my shuttle. You see my ring finger. It's got your ring on it. That must say something for me, right?

Dan-I thought I threw it away, and you with it.

Maureen-It's meant to be. You and I. Unless you don't want me.

Dan-I didn't say that.

Maureen-You did with your actions earlier.

Dan-I was mad.

Maureen-At what?

Dan-At myself. I couldn't accept the fact that I'm starting over with you and that you love me and that I'm fucked up from my divorce. And I'm scared of getting hurt. I don't know. I just wanted to know for sure.

Maureen-So you had me thrown in a cell, and charged with stealing the identity of your soul mate. Then you drag that woman to Serena to investigae me further. That's not a good way to treat someone who has time and time again told you she loves you. It's just not too attracting.

Tears fall from her eyes. And then from his, as she starts to walk away.

Dan-Where are you going?

Maureen-I have work to do, I'm a queen remember. I know I made some shit up to keep you, but I had no idea how you would react. I feel bad, but at least I know how you are now. Quick to leave at the first sight of trouble and ready to just up and leave. Now I know who the faithful one is going to be?

Dan-It's not like that.

Maureen-Then what the Hell is it like?

Dan-Like I'm scared. That I almost lost you, a few times. I'm so fragile right now. I don't understand what causes it. Maybe it's because I've never felt the way I feel for you, ever. The woman I loved the most in my whole life would pale next to you, my love.

Maureen-Then don't lose me. Keep me close to you. Unless you don't trust me after what I did to you. I know how guys are. The first sign of money and power and they want it for themselves. You are a commander of the 'C'ila Mission' a high ranking position, and I am a queen of an entire planet. We're from two different worlds. Two differen't planets. It was the only was I knew how to save you from your divorce. To make you focus on rescuing me from my situation so that in return I could save you from yours. How else should we have met? We met dancing. That was perfect. I know that as soon as you saw me that you saw your destiny since I could see it in your eyes and it kind of makes me want to cry when I think about us being and living apart like I did when Alia made me wait so long for you. She said you were marrying someone other than me and it hurt me so much, but she knew it wasn't going to work so she gave me the okay to save you from it, and do you think about it at all since you've met me?

Dan-Only that it brought me to you.

Maureen-Then that's what I wanted and needed to hear from you. So our plan did work. Look at me. Look over at me when you type this and I am sitting at the next computer over from you at the library and look at how much I love you. That's should be all the proof you ever need that we were meant to be. Forget the story or the plot and just look at me. You know what you see, right? Your destiny. I hold it in my hands and on my ring finger. You think I've never been hurt before? You're crazy. You think I don't understand what you've been through?

Dan-I didn't say that.

He hears his comlink ringing. Loud this time.

Dan-Excuse me.

Voice-I found her for you?

Maureen-Who's calling you?

Dan-Nevermind.

Maureen-No I want to know.

Voice-We need to talk. I found her.

Dan-Nevermind, Maureen!

Maureen-Fine!

He almost smiles as she leaves with more questions than answers about this mysterious phone call. Why would he be smiling to get a call from another woman?

Dan-She's gone.

Voice-Where?

Dan-Back to her castle or something. I don't know. Do you have news?

Voice-I do. She is available. I have done some checking. I will be having lunch with her. She's quite interested in seeing you again. Unanswered questions.

Dan-I am engaged.

Voice-I know.

Dan-She probably thinks I'm mad at her right now.

Voice-What if the one who's looking for you sneaks in and distracts you from your engagement with news of her availability to move right into your heart.

Dan-My heart is promised to someone who wears the ring I bought her.

Voice-Yes, but who did you cry over first?

Dan-True.

Voice-Don't you find it strange that she wants to see you now?

Dan-Yes. I mean I doubt she would have known it was me if we had grind danced together at the club next door to our base.

Voice-Maybe she did.

Dan-Who are you?

Voice-You don't recognize my voice? Do you?

He pauses, sets the comlink down and walks away from it.

Voice-Hello? Hello?

Dan-I'm back. I know who you are.

Voice-I love to slow dance.

Dan-I am engaged.

Voice-My friend Jill told me. She watches over you for me at the club. Her and her boyfriend.

Dan-I want to see you.

Voice-Then turn around.

Dan-What do you mean?

Voice-I'm right behind you.

He turns to find her talking on her comlink, standing right infront of him. Smiling.

Voice-Come with me.

Dan-Where?

Voice-Anywhere but here. Not to the club. Too many people know us there. Not to North Iley. Not to anywhere on C'ila. Not to A-Town.

Dan-Then where?

Voice-Somewhere we can slow dance?

Dan-Perfect.

Voice-My car is parked just around the corner. Excuse the mess. I've been away.

She takes his hand in hers and walks him to her car.

Voice-Call me, um, Viktoria. It's a cute name.

Dan-I will.

Viktoria-There's so much I want to know. So, you're engaged? To be married?

Dan-Yes.

Viktoria-I don't know how I feel about that. To be honest with you.

Dan-You should be happy for me.

Viktoria-I know. I've been hearing that you ask people if they've seen me? Why do you still care?

Dan-Unanswered questions.

Viktoria-I heard you saw my friend. The one who doesn't know if she's your friend or not.

Dan-Yeah.

Viktoria-I got a copy of the book you wrote about me. Nice writing.

Dan-Did you read the whole thing?

Viktoria-I did. You went through a lot. I still love you, though.

Dan-Shh. Don't say that!

Viktoria-Afraid Maureen might hear me?

Dan-Yes. This is supposed to be a secret.

Viktoria-I have footage of her you might want to see.

Dan-Is it bad?

Viktoria-There is no queen of Xaiya. Ask Endurah, your friend from the bookstore.

Dan-What?

Viktoria-Don't tell her that, until I can safely get you away from C'ila, in my arms. With your shuttle. The one that's in your name. And how easy it would be for you to report the comlink stolen again.

Dan-I'm too involved.

Viktoria-No. You're not. I want you to leave with me.

Dan-When?

Viktoria-She told you she was the Queen of Xaiya?

Dan-Yes.

Viktoria-And you believed her?

Dan-She's wearing my ring.

Viktoria-Like I should have.

Dan-Are you jealous?

Viktoria-No.

Dan-Then what is it? Why your rush to get me out of here?

Viktoria-Why your rush to ask me to marry you?

Dan-Because I acted out of what people were telling me about you and I didn't want to hare it with you because I was scared for you, but my fear was within the text of believing a lie about you. I need proof that Maureen isn't the Queen of Xaiya before I leave her. I need to see it with my own two eyes. I don't want to go by what you say, or anyone on C'ila or A-Town or the club. I want to see something so horrible about her. I want to actually be there to see it. Not just hear about it.

Viktoria-Can you see footage if I show it to you in Heaven? And what would you do if you saw it with your own two eyes? Then what? Will you contact me? Will you run ten miles away from her? Or will you give her another chance, then another chance to screw you over while you persist on telling everyone how great she is?

Dan-Why don't you want me to be happy?

Viktoria-I care about you. I'm waiting for you to develop feelings for me other than feeling like I'm a drunk and wanting to rescue me. I am in no need of a rescue. I am in need of love and support at the moment. Who else but the one who wanted so desperatly to keep me on C'ila to marry me. And don't say that was then and this is now, because I will slap you across the face. I know you put JoaBeth in your book to illustrate to yourself but also to me if you should ever let me read it that you do have feelings for me. Why else did you end up back on C'ila asking around if anyone knew me or have seen me? Why ask my friend for my number? When Maureen was like ten feet away at that? You must still feel something for me? I mean how stupid do you think I am? You're obviously completely unhappy with Maureen. Otherwise why would I be hearing from your guard at the club that you leave crying over her and get into long talks with your friend over her. If you were truly happy, you would be jumping up and down over her and smiling and everything, not as cautious as a federal agent. You don't seem at all like someone who's just recently gotten engaged.

Dan-Why do you say that?

He opens the passenger door as she unlocks it from the inside and as he looks back once the car starts to get up to speed, he can clearly see Maureen with a puzzled look on her face as he is driven to an undisclosed location with another woman.

Viktoria-I know. I saw her, too.

Dan-Where are we going?

Viktoria-Someone has requested that I take you to her.

Dan-Who?

Viktoria-She lives in between North Iley and C'ila, on a different angle. Not the place where you'll be killed, but the place where you might be saved.

Dan-Saved from what?

Viktoria-It's right outside the scariest place known to man.

Dan-And you're driving me there? What if Maureen follows us.

Viktoria-She doesn't have the authorization codes to crack the lock open that I do.

Dan-I pray she doesn't, I wouldn't want her to get lost if she did try to follow. So, who lives in this place that we are headed.

Viktoria-Maura Candle.

Dan-Is that name supposed to mean something to me?

Viktoria-She has seen the way you have been acting around Maureen and wants to see you.

Dan-Why?

Viktoria-To put an end to it, and to save you herself. She is the one.

Dan-I thought Maureen was.

Viktoria-They are bitter enemies now.

Dan-Over me?

Viktoria-No. Over Alia.

The only one home at the C'ila base is Empress Alia. Maureen walks in the door and up to her room. Then to Dan's which is unlocked. Once she looks around she realizes that somehow things are different. Certain things that reminded him of her are missing from his room. As she looks closer, she now realizes that everything is different.

Alia walks to the doorway.

Maureen-He is with Viktoria. I saw her drive off with him in her car.

Alia-True, but he's not there to see her. She's taking him someplace.

Maureen-Should I be worried?

Alia-Yes and no. I got a call last night from Maura Candle.

Maureen-Yeah and who's that?

Alia-Dan's soul mate.

Maureen-What am I going to do?

Alia-See if he can break his destiny and come back to you.

Maureen-He didn't tell me he loved me when I left him.

Alia-Did you say it to him?

Maureen-Yes I did.

Alia-You hhave a lot to lose. Your housing on C'ila, your shuttle, your communication to the two planets, you know. He has a lot to gain. Knowledge of his soul mates identity, and someone he can slow dance with. It's up to you if you want to give up on him. You have to decide if it's worth it to battle her. You could and win and then the identity of Dan's soul mate will be on your shoulders. You can stay here at the base for as long as you like though, but your transportation and communication may be pulled if she's as good as I think she is. Plus consider who's taking him to her. Will you fight for him? Or cut your losses and return home to wherever you came from and go on with your life as if nothing happened.

Maureen-When I came in just now I saw a for sale sign just outside the base.

Alia-We are leaving soon. For the season.

Maureen-Why?

Alia-It'll be cold here soon. And impossible to come back to that way.

Maureen-Oh. So that will be it, when you sell the house I won't have anywhere to live either?

Alia-We'll give you some money.

Maureen-Oh.

Alia-And I won't have you carted away for lying to my student. When we leave here in a few days, your C'ila registration will be cut in half, and the money you get will be just enough to get you home and two months rent. I mean, we wouldn't want to keep you from anything. It will be as if meeting Dan and us never happened.

Maureen-I'm going for a walk.

Alia-Fine. I have some people to call anyway. Just remember this place is up for sale so don't make too many long term plans around me and Dan.

Maureen-What about our wedding?

Alia-I'm smart. There's not going to be a wedding. And if there is I'd much rather it be with someone else.

Maureen-What is my charge?

Alia-Deception. The wost kind. I am hiring guards to follow you. I understand some of the files of the C'ila mission are in your possesion. You can't lie to me. Feel my pulse?

She holds out her hand for Maureen. Dan's fiance is surprised to notice that the Empress is without a pulse.

Maureen-If you have no pulse then you must be dead.

Alia-Exactly. Have you ever lied to a dead person? Your charge is false representation.

Maureen-How do you figure?

Alia-You're only alive because I am telling my men that they need to spare your life until I have gathered up the proof I need to nail you to a cross.

Maureen-Proof?

Alia-Let me show you a picture.

She reaches into a Dan's bottom dresser drawer and pulls out a book. Opens the book and pulls out a picture. On the back of the picture is a name. Maureen Knight'la.

Alia-Want to try to explain yourself, Miss Corda'Lie?

Maureen/Crayonnah-I can't.

Alia-Obviously you are not Maureen Knight'la. Obviously you are not Dan's soul mate. And for that matter Xaiya never had a queen. This woman Maureen Knight'la is also dead. She was thrown down a hill during a war with La'Kya three years ago. Try again.

Crayonnah-But Eleanor, I heard, gave her life to save me for Dan.

A woman walks from hallway into Dan's room to join her and Alia.

Eleanor-I made those murder charges up to see if you would conjure up a story to match them. And guess what? You did. You told him, and keep in mind, I don't have a pulse either. You told him that you made everything up to impress him. To make him believe that you really are the queen of Xaiya. I'm guessing that his visit with Viktoria is going to be an eye opener since we called her into this to show him the footage of you and your partner in crime. Also since I because the groundskeeper here an the one in charge of banking and money I urge you to talk your way aout an estimated $11,000 missing from the vault since you gained access to it? Try that one? My family will not be betrayed by someone like you. Someone who at every turn is conspiring with an unnamed source to rid C'ila of the Ileys. Someone who will stop at nothing to ruin Alia's student. To send him deep into the same Hell she found him in. You just better hope and pray on your lucky stars that the proof we are looking for doesn't turn up and that we never find out who you are conspiring with, or so help me God the lights will be turned out and guess what? The entire North Iley Starfleet will be reassembled int he blink of an eye and when we knock on your door in the middle of the night, you will instantly be reminded of every lie, every cheat tatic and every penny you stole from us.

Alia-I have something for you.

Crayonnah-What?

Alia-Come with me.

Once they reach their destination, Viktoria pulls the car over and shows Dan an oversized base.

Dan-We've been driving for 90 minutes now, where the Hell are we?

She doesn't answer.

Dan-Well, where are we?

Viktoria-We have work to do. Maura is here.

Dan-Who is she?

Viktoria-Your soul mate. I know this to be true. Also I'm not who you think I am either.

With that, she removes her own carefully made disguise.

Viktoria-My name is really Rachelle Zill.

Dan-What the Hell are you doing pretending to my high school sweetheart?

Rachelle-I had to be with you through the last two stories and now this one. The Father contacted me when you were in the hospital and asked me if I would pose as your ex. He knew. Look, there's a woman who's proven to us that she is who you belong with. There are no results from Crayonnah that you two are even remotly compatible.

Dan-Where are we? Wait. This all seems familiar. We must have taken a different way. Theres the ski resort, too. I know exactly where we are.

Rachelle-Let me go in first. It's your job to find her.

At first he walks around knowing full well that the woman with the key to his heart is someplace among a sea of people. He thinks to himself that as long as he can narrow it down everything will be fine. The only thing is that it occurs to him that somethings strange about everyone here. Strange costumes and dancing. Something he's not familiar at all with.

He walks up to someone he believes might be her.

Maura-Hi. How are you?

Dan-A little out of place.

Maura-Come, let's slow dance. Then I'll introduce you to my friends.

Dan-But, I could never dance like that. I'm pretty scared.

Maura-Try.

Dan-Alright.

So they share an awesome slow dance.

Dan-Do you know anything about DNA? About throwing pennys into the fountains at the mall waiting for your soul mate to come along?

Maura-What?

Dan-Are you Maura Candle?

Maura-Wait a second. Your Dan, right?

Dan-Yeah.

Maura-Nice to meet you. Wait I have to go say hi to some people, I'll be back. Here dance with my friend.

He turns to notice her walk away and someone else walk into his arms.

Natalya Glory-What's wrong?

Dan-I feel out of place here.

Natalya-Close your eyes.

The song starts. A slow song.

Dan-They're closed.

Natalya-Something's happening to me.

Dan-Are you okay?

Natalya-I've never felt like this before.

Dan-Because we're dancing?

Natalya-No, not just that. Light a light has just been turned on. In my heart. Who are you?

Dan-My name is Dan. My friend brought me here. I was told my soul mate is waiting for me here.

Natalya-You never know. I can't place this feeling I am getting from you. Something doesn't seem right here. Or does it seem too right? Something definitly feels right about this. Wait, why is everyone looking at us.

The entire dance floor ends their dancing, leaving just Dan and Natalya, as the DJ restarts the song for them. Meanwhile Maura returns to her seat to see this.

Dan-I can't help it.

Natalya-What?

Dan-Believing my friend when she said I'd find my soul mate here tonight.

Natalya-How do you know.

Dan-I just melted in your arms.

Natalya-How do we find out?

Dan-My friend is here somewhere. She could test you.

Natalya-It's not a test. They bring back results that arent always accurate. Close your eyes. And I'll close mine.

The song is almost over.

Justin W-Just give them one more song. Keep everyone off the dancefloor.

DJ-Alright.

Natalya-Looks like we're the center of attention.

Dan-I've only been here for a few minutes and I don't know anyone. But you. And I met Maura. I think she likes me.

Natalya-Shh. Hold me. I could use that right now. Just hold me. This feels so right. For whatever reason.

Rachelle walks back to see the scene on the dancefloor. She then places a call to The Father.

Rachelle-I thought Maura was his soul mate.

The Father-Isn't she?

Rachelle-I wish you could see this.

The Father-I agreed to help the Ileys move their stuff out of C'ila and to their new home in Crystal Acres outside of Iley. Wait a second. Does Maura have blonde hair?

Rachelle-No. She doesn't.

The Father-Someone must have given you the wrong name.

Rachelle-What! I've been talking to Maura for months now! How could this happen! She's going to be crushed!

The Father-Yeah. It's not hard to fix. Do it next week though. Let it slide for tonight. See how Dan and the Russian girl act around each other. Do not let thern in on the fact that she's his angel.

Rachelle-Too late. And it's pissing Maura off by the second.

The Father-Give me time to come up with a plan. I know Dan he's going to leave tonight and tell everyone that he met this girl who captured his heart. I was afraid of someone getting hurt out of the deal. Tell the DJ not to play any more slow songs for Heaven's sake. Move them into the other bar.

She hangs up half expecting The Father and more Ileys to show up. But no one does.

Maura-Let's go. I have some more friends to introduce you to.

Dan-That's fine.

He tries to clear his thoughts of Natalya. And it works for about 20 seconds. Then a woman walks to the stage to sing. And in walks Natalya.

His comlink is ringing off the hook with text messeges for him to not screw this up.

Dan-Will you dance with me again.

Natalya-Yes. I will.

For the next week things change. The Ileys move into their new home in Crystal Acres and things seem like a million years away from the horror of the ordeal on C'ila.

Rachelle again comes over to see Dan. Same time. Same destination. This time it's a holiday and he was not expecting her.

Dan-I got your message, but I was at the movies.

Rachelle-Sorry. I've been intrusted to cause a scene tonight. I have to take you there. The truth will be told tonight.

Dan-What do you mean?

Rachelle-You will know. Don't lose sight of me tonight. The Father and I were up all night planning how tonight is going to go. He made a mistake. Someone screwed with your file, who we'll track down later. Anyway, Maura isn't your soul mate. Someone else is.

Dan-Damn.

Rachelle-What?

Dan-Now we have to tell Maura. I think she really likes me.

Rachelle-Yeah. Leave that to me when we walk in.

And then it happened. For whatever reason. She walks up to him.

Natalya-I know you. You and I danced last week.

Dan-I haven't forgotten.

Natalya-You seem distracted for some reason.

Dan-I'm getting some important news tonight. Do you believe in destiny? That two people could have actually been chosen for each other and spend their whole lives looking for each other? Someone here holdz the key to my heart.

Natalya-Any idea. There's a lot of people here.

Dan-First I was given the wrong name, now I have to tell her it wasn't her. That's going to be hard. Wait, here she comes.

Maura-Come with me.

Natalya-Wait, Dan. Be careful.

Dan-I will.

Rachelle walks toward Natalya almost starteling her.

Natalya-What is it about him?

Rachelle-Do you like him?

Natalya-I do.

Rachelle-What do you want to do about it? You could give him your number.

Natalya-I wish I could hear their conversation.

Rachelle-I've been to his house. It's nice. He just moved with friends. Not far from here. Let me tell you something. In seven days you are all he's been able to talk about.

Natalya-Really?

Rachelle-Do you know why they cleared everyone off the dancefloor last week for you two?

Natalya-No. It was strange. These people here aren't usually that accepting.

Rachelle-It tell you anything? You'd be winning someone's heart that I know for a fact would cherish yours. Just wait here, here he comes. You decide what you want to do.

She walks closer to Dan, seeing a frown on his face.

Dan-I had to tell her. And that we were sorry for leading her on. I don't know who changed the files on us. She was really upset. I'm ready to leave. I don't know anyone here and I barely know you.

Rachelle-Wait here!

She walks back to Natalya.

Rachelle-Go talk to him.

She makes her way to where Dan is looking at his watch ready to leave, empty handed, another trip to another planet without finding hsi soul mate.

Natalya-I heard some things that I don't think I was ready to hear. We share a friend. She told me a lot. Here. Take this. Call me.

Dan-Why?

Natalya-I just want to talk to you. More.

Dan-Alright.

Natalya-I have to go my phone is ringing.

She leaves him with a hug. Out of his view she walks away crying. Hard.

Natalya(Crying)-Hello?

The Father-See. Things happen when you least expect them to. I changed the files. It's not a nice thing to do, but it kees the suspense going. You needed to know who you are destined to spend your life with.

Natalya(Crying)-What do I do, now that I found him. How do I not shatter his heart.

The Father-He's talking to Rachelle and her friends. I am here. Just not in view. I'm trying not to be noticed so I can see everything. This is news for you.

Natalya(Crying)-Where in Hell was he several years ago?

The Father-He's wondering the same thing about you. I can promise you that.

She gets in her car and drives home. Midway through his drive he has a suspicion that she is the one meant for him. Meant for him to love and to be first in line to earn her wounded heart. He wonders about her giving him her number. 'Why would she do that' he thinks. Suddenly her number is dialed. It's very late. She may be asleep.

Natalya-Yes?

Dan-Listen, I have every reason to believe that you and I were meant to meet up this way. And thanks for giving me your number. I hope I didn't wake you.

Natalya-I was waiting for you to call.

Dan-I will cherish you.

Natalya-I don't doubt that. Get to know me. I'm far from perfect.

Dan-Perfect enough for me. I believe it was you the whole time.

Natalya-Then your beliefs don't need to change.

Dan-Good night.

Natalya-Good night.

'Why don't my beliefs need to change' he wonders. All the way home. And then all week.

The new house in Crytal Acres is perfect. It's a small neighborhood tucked away between Iley and C'ila territory and will house the Ileys as the choose to slip in and out of both places.

He is startled at 2 in the morning. Downstairs doing laundry is a very familiar face.

Dan-I didn't know you had a key?

Mirabella Night-I do.

Dan-You look a little out of place to be hanging around an empress, a nurse, and some of the gang around here.

Mirabella-Have you seen the names on the doors upstairs.

Dan-No. This is only my second night here.

Mirabella-I know who you are.

Dan-I know.

Mirabella-You need some help. I agreed to help you.

Dan-How?

Mirabella-The first night. I took a DNA sample from Natalya. I took it to a lab not far from the place we met up. There's a small clinic that specializes in DNA and I was able to bang on the door long enough to a lab tech I know could run some tests on it.

Dan-But why Natalya and not anyone else.

She slaps him across the face. Hard.

Dan-What was that for?

Mirabella-Why would there be anyone else? Anyway, I have the test results in an envelope here.

She hands it to him.

Two more familiar faces walk down the stairs to the remodeled basement and into the laundry room.

Jake Qara-Whatever is in that envelope it's up to you to fit the role of her soul mate.

Elise Quara-Also you need to know when to keep your guard up. The rest is all going to be instinct. Treat it like you would a project you're working on. No one needs to know right now how you two are linked together. I'm not even sure we should tell her yet.

Jake-No. Maybe we shouldn't.

Someone else walks down the stairs. He wonders 'How do all of these people from out of town have keys to our new house.'

Countessa-Jake, you called me. It's the middle of the night and...

Dan-You look awfully familiar.

Countessa-I was hiding in the shadows, but you would have had to be stupid to now recognize me. I helped you. Remember.

Dan-Yeah. So do you know, too? About the Russian girl.

Countessa-We all do. That's why we agreed to buy this house for you.

Dan-You mean Alia didn't?

Countessa-She put the money up, but we're the ones decorating and fixing it up. And we're the ones who are going to be living with you. You are in a difficult position. We need to get along with you, and you barely know us. That's difficult.

Dan-I see. Can I trust you guys?

Jake-Maybe you shouldn't. There's a room here for Natalya. So she can come and go as she pleases. And don't ask if it is the same room as yours, because you and I both know you would want that too much. LIke any other guy would.

Dan-I barely know her.

Jake-Then try to. Stretch it out as long as possible. There's no rush when you find the right person. BUt you have to keep your guard up. Some people where you and Rachelle go. Well, let's put it this way, they don't like you. I'm not even sure yet if I like you. You don't fit in. They're going to laugh at you. I'm telling you people are going to write you completely off if you stick around.

Dan-I don't make a habit of making enemies.

Jake-Last time you made a few, you just don't realize it yet.

Dan-Should I carry a sword next time?

Jake-You might want to.

Countessa-Make everyone jealous of you.

Dan-How do I compete. There's a competition coming up. For dancing. I heard. I could enter it.

Mirabella-I have to sleep now, I'm not feeling well. If you need to talk tomorrow, Dan, just let me know.

Dan-I will. But aren't any of the Ileys moving in?

Mirabella-A few, but ones you wont expect. See you in the morning.

Dan-What did she mean by that?

Jake-Some people who are apparently close to you are moving in tomorrow morning. Should be interesting.

Dan-So basically Alia bought this house so you guys could help me accept the fact that I was in the arms of my soul mate not once but two different nights?

Jake-It's complicated.

Dan-I'm sure it is. I want to go home.

Countessa-What?

Dan-No, I do. This is fucked up and here I am revisitng my past in one place, while running off 40 miles away to someplace else that reminds me of my childhood only to be asked to move in with strange people and who knows who from my past and suddenly you guys run tests on a blonde Russian girl who I don't even know except for a few phone calls, and you expect me to just run around like I just won $5,000! That's going to work with me. I'm not a doormat for heartbreak! Now if this girls going to run off into the sunset with someone else and I have to wait 4 or 5 years for her, then what?

Huge teardrops fall from his eyes, not caring that he barely knows his new roomates.

Dan-Is that what this is all about. Am I going to get so fucking hurt during this that I finally crack and just want to go home and forget all of this 'soul mate' bullshit ever happened. Because I'm very close right now to shutting the door on all of this! You hear me!

Countessa-Just calm down. Your scaring me.

He picks up a vase filled with 12 roses, that was given to them as a house warming present from The Father, and throws it. Hard. Smashing the glass vase into hundreds of pieces.

Jake is the first to place the call.

Alia-Yes?

Jake-It's me, Jake, we can't do anything with him.

Alia-Did you tell him weather she is or isn't his soul mate?

Jake-He doesn't want to know. And he just shattered a vase with roses on the wall in the kitchen. I'm not going to live here if he's going to be violent. The deal is off.

Alia-He's confused. Consider what he's been through. Read the other two stories before this one.

Jake-I understand.

Alia-The other roomates should be able to calm him down in the morning.

Jake-Thanks.

Alia-Make sure he doesn't get discouraged this early. This relationship will take every ounce of love in his heart. He doesn't feel nearly as much as he should for her, yet.

Jake-Hold on, let me go upstairs where we can talk. Countessa!

Countessa-Yes?

Jake-Calm him down, Alia is on the phone. I'll be upstairs on the phone. Anyway, Alia, he's really shook up about the whole thing. Having to tell one that they just miscalculated her compatibility with him. Yeah, and then having to get a DNA sample from someone else. You would think he was going to start crying. I guess Rachelle has been really good to him as far as supporting his decision to move in here.

Alia-Well, then that's good, right?

Jake-He didn't look too happy to be finding out that we have a white envelope here with the name of his soul mate. He was furious!

Alia-Why?

Jake-Well, think about it. First he's married for a very short time, then I guess his great grandmother dies, then you guys we involved in a criminal fraud investigation not far from here that from what I hear, the police had to be involved in, now this. It's got to tear his heart to shreds like this. I think I know now why he would be quick to smash a vase full of roses.

She finds him in his room, crying. She knows he is crying because she can hear him through the door.

It's 5 in the morning and he hasnt had any sleep when she knocks on the door.

Natalya-Dan?

Dan(Crying)-Go away!

Natalya-It's me, Natalya.

Dan-I know. Just leave.

Natalya-I know about the envelope, I got one, too. Maybe I'm not your soul mate. You probably just assumed I was. Something like that. Would you be mad if I was. And will you please answer your door.

The lock is undone and she is let in.

Natalya-I havent slept either.

Dan-What if I'm not good enough?

Natalya-For who? Me?

Dan-I wish the thought of knowing who you were had never entered my heart.

Hearing him say this makes her cry.

Dan-I would rather be still looking for you, then finally meeting you and not knowing how to fucking act around you. Why did you have to be so perfect.

He lowers his head and begins to cry.

Dan-Just go. Please.

Natalya-If that's what you want. I'll leave and take my friends with me and we can forget about this.

Dan-I'd rather you never came here again.

Natalya-Does that mean your telling the Ileys to keep you from the dance competition, too? I know you told some people there that it meant a lot to you.

Dan-Take them and leave. Please.

Natalya-Alright. We'll get out of your way. Don't worry. But how do you know I am your soul mate. We haven't opened our envelopes yet? I could be the one. And your just going to throw me away. How do you think that will hurt me? How? I'm in an even stranger place an hour and a half from my house to come live here with my friends and you.

Dan-So I'm not your friend?

Natalya-Friends don't just write off someone like you're trying to do to me.

Dan-At the risk of getting the stress in my life decreased for a while, yes. It's necessary here. I didn't ask for this. I went out to a club with my friend Rachelle and I wasn't prepared for what I found. I have every reason in the world to want to forget about that whole night and just move on with someone else.

Natalya-Then fine. Move on. My friends and I will leave and you will never hear from me again.

She walks out of his room and slams the door shut. The sound echoes throough the entire upstairs.

Countessa-I better go up and see whats wrong.

Just as she finishes her thought, Natalya is seen walking down the stairs into the kitchen with the few belongings she brought with packed and ready to leave.

Countessa-My dear, what's wrong?

Natalya(Crying)-He doesn't want me.

She walks up to give Natalya a hug. As she does huge tears fall from the womans eyes.

Jake-I'll call Alia and make the arrangements to leave Crystal Acres at once. One of you wake up Mirabella please.

Another call is placed.

Alia-Yes?

Jake-They had a fight.

Alia(Sigh)

Jake-He asked her to tell all of us to leave. She's crying right now.

Alia-I'll send someone. I'm in the middle of wrapping up this investigation on C'ila and I can't leave.

Jake-I know. I'm sorry for bothering you again.

Alia-Don't worry.

He wakes. Carefully. In his new home. Maybe hoping that he will walk downstairs to an empy house instead of more people he can't or shouldn't trust. His thoughts have focused on other things like who else may have moved in during the night. As he slips on a pair of jeans and a shirt for breakfast, what he finds once he opens his bedroom door makes him want to cry.

She has slept all night curled up in front of his door with the white envelope, still unopened, in her hand. Also in plain view is a tissue, still damp with her tears, by her side. He decides to try to wake her.

He then realizes that his destiny has spent the night at his doorstep. Maybe crying her heart out to him. What is the right thing to do? She feels a soft kiss on her forehead. Mirabella notices and walks closer.

Mirabella-Give it time. She's not what you think she is. That's all you need to know and there may not be any roadblocks either, if you know what I mean. I know it's a lot to deal with looking at her, knowing you are her soul mate. Here, let's get her to your bed.

The two of them carry her to his bed and lay her down softly as she drifts back to sleep.

Dan-Now that sh's in my life, what do I do with her?

Mirabella-Love her. LIke I know you do. I saw the kiss a minute ago. So keep doing it. She'll notice you sooner or later. These things just take time.

Dan-Wait, did you hear that? She's crying.

Mirabella-Go. Be there for her. No one else seems to want to. You see this tissue, it's got tears all over it. At the thought of you asking her and us to leave. She doesn't want that. She's confused, that's all. Help her believe in true love again. And for her sake and love please do not give up on her. She will require everyhing you have as long as she lives. It's up to you to check your heart to see if she deserves a room in it. If you feel she does then don't ever let anyone stand in your way when you sweep her off her feet.

He stands at his doorwayas Mirabella walks downstairs to breakfast. He can't help but focus on how beautiful Natalya is. He walks closer.

Dan-Shh. Don't wake up. Just listen. We met on accident. I didn't plan any of this. Our dance, it blew away my guard. I'm sorry for saying some things to you earlier, but I too am confused. I need time.

She wakes anyway.

Natalya-I'm starting, however slowly, to realize some things on my own now about you. Don't think I don't see what you've done for me. You're not someone who would leave me after a few weeks. I need time, too. Wat I mean is I need time with just you. Maybe you are just what I've been looking for. Give me time.

Dan-My door was unlocked all night, you could've come in and slept next to me.

Natalya-You didn't want me to. So I just curled up by your door and started crying. I must have fallen asleep that way. It just felt like you were throwing me away. Dan, I love you. I never thought it would fall from my mouth, but I realized this by examining your recent concern for my well being and for the kiss you gave me a little bit ago. You have gone out of your way for me, several times. When no one else would dare to comfort me. I'm not stupid, I can picked out your effort. Trust me, it's not going unnoticed.

Dan-Why? Why sleep on the hallway floor? Why didn't you just leave me alone. As a matter of fact, why don't you just go back to wherever you came from and forget about me?

Natalya(Crying)-Maybe I should.

She takes her tissue and the envelope and walks crying down the stairs.

Jake-Everything alright?

Natalya(Crying)-No. Let's go.

Countessa-Where?

Natalya-Anywhere but this place. I'm just getting upset.

Countessa-It might be good for you two to be apart. Plus you don't even know for sure since you haven't even opened the envelope with the test results, yet.

Natalya-To hell with that stupid DNA mapping bullshit, you can't just predict or be meant for someone. That's childish superstition.

Countessa-Why wont you look at the results? Do you think he has? Maybe that's why he's upset. Talk to him again. If he still rejects you, then we'll pick up and leave for good.

She walks to the new vase they put the flowers from the smashed on in and pulls out a red rose.

Countessa-Here, give this to him.

Natalya-I will.

She softly knocks on his door, with the rose in her hand.

Natalya(Crying)-I have something for you. Please talk to me.

There's no response at all.

Natalya(Crying)

She is joined by Countessa. Suddenly Natalya surprises everyone by kicking the door to his room, while crying.

Natalya-Why won't you talk to me?

Dan-It's open.

His voice is quiet and calmer this time.

Dan-You're full blooded Iley. Why didn't you tell me?

Natalya-It doesn't matter where I'm from. Did you look at the results?

Dan-Yes I did.

There is a long pause. Then silence. Then tears.

Dan-I'm sorry.

Natalya-Will you please, I don't mean to beg you, but please hold me.

Dan-Now, or always.

Natalya-That's up to you.

Dan-How is that?

Natalya-Will you have me in your life as your girlfriend?

Dan-No.

Natalya-But I just sat here and told you 'yes' I will be your girlfriend, and you just looked at me and told me 'no.' Why? Or don't I even get that much from you?

Dan-I don't want you to be my girlfriend. I would rather have you as my wife.

Countessa-Dan?

Dan-Yes?

Countessa-What just happened?

Dan-What do you mean?

Countessa-Did you just suggest geting married to Natalya?

Natalya-I will.

Countessa-Jake, Mirabella, get up here...now!

The two race to Dan's bedroom.

Jake-What is it?

Natalya-I said yes.

Jake-To what?

Natalya-To Dan.

Jake-Why?

Natalya-What do you mean?

Jake-Nevermind. Anyway, what did you say yes to?

Natalya-Dan Sherrill I would love to be your wife.

Dan-Natalya Glory, there is nothing and no one that will ever compare to you . I feel so alive right now that I know I can barely hold back the tears that will be falling from my eyes in a few short seconds. Hearing you say this to me fills my heart with a joy I have only imagined in my most awesome daydreams of what a beautiful moment like this should be. In a short time you have transformed my heart in such a way that I never thought possible. But it means a lot to me to tell you that if you leave me in the middle of the night for someone else and you're just lying to me like everyone else seems to want to, I understand. I love you with all of my heart and soul, but leave if you want to. Just go. I just can't be hurt again.

He completely breaks down and cries while she watches tears fall from his eyes. Seeing this, she offers her arms to hold him. He accepts and for a full ten minutes they can do nothing but hold each other and cry.

When they finally separate, she reaches for a tissue and helps him dry his tears away. When she is finished, he does the same for her until they share a moment of peace.

Natalya-I will always love you.

They hear a knock on the front door.

Dan-Yes?

Officer Cade-Can I speak to Mirabella and Natalya Glory?

Dan-Sure. Natalya! Mirabella! Someone's here to see you.

The two of them make their way downstairs and are put into handcuffs, driven in separate squad cars and never seen by the Ileys again.

Dan-Jake?

Jake-What?

Dan-Why did they just arrest Natalya and Mirabella?

Countessa-She didn't really sleep by your door. We saw her steal from the Iley safe. $5,000. In cash. We called the police. I know these two are friends of ours, but I'm not going to see you innocently be stolen from or having your heart broken by a thief. She was, as it turns out, wanted by the law. Actually her and Mirabella are fugitives from Spanish territory. They were freed on probation granted they didn't steal again and they just made off with five grand last night while you slept. They also made up the white envelope thing to make you think Natalya was falling for you when in fact she was waiting for you to fall asleep so she could steal from you as well as break your heart.

Dan-Well that doesn't make me feel any better.

Jake-The deed for this house is in your name only. That should at least cheer you up.

Coreen-And I'm here for you.

He turns to see her looking absolutly beautiful.

Coreen-You act like you're seeing a ghost. I've been informed about what has happened to you since your accident. I'm sorry. You have just gotten hurt since the last time I saw you on C'ila. I feel awful. For leaving you alone, you were in no shape to be away from me.

Dan-Why do you say it that way? I made some mistakes on my own.

Coreen-I know, but I could've saved you a long time ago. If you had wanted me to stay with you.

Dan-What are you doing here now?

Coreen-I'm here for your heart.

Dan-To break it?

Coreen-To cherish it, and you. I know you still want me.

Dan-I do.

Coreen-Can we take this slow, I mean at a turtle's pace?

Dan-Considering my emotional state, I need to take this very slow, you understand, right?

Coreen-I do. Close your eyes, though.

He finds himself in her arms. Safe. The next thing he feels are her lips pressed against his.

Dan-Wow. Um. Close your eyes now.

As she does they kiss again, this time it continues for more than ten minutes. It leads them into her room and her door being shut.

Jake-Where's Dan?

Countessa-With Coreen.

Jake-Good. Alia will be here shortly, to inspect the damages.

Countessa-Luckily we saw it coming, and called the police. Maybe that's why Dan was so quick to throw her away when she begged him to be with her. He probably knew something was uup and took her out of his heart before she latched on to him.

Jake-Good thinking, I guess.

She easily lets herself in the front door.

Alia-Jake? Countessa?

Jake-Alia, nice to see you again.

Alia-Don't sweet talk me! A southern accent doesn't do anything for me. How much money was stolen?

Jake-$5,000 plus she hurt Dan, and fixed soul mate DNA mapping results so he would fall for her. In the middle of the night she planted herself infront of his door, made herself cry and then professed her love for him. If that isn't leading someone on I don't know what is.

Alia-Like you two did anything to stop her?

Countessa-Sorry, she was good.

Alia-Sorry? 'I'm sorry' I'm not going to pay you for your services since you let those two steal money from me. Where is Dan now?

Jake-In bed with Coreen.

Alia-Good.

Jake-So that's it, no money?

Alia-I'm sorry, you'll have to get it from Natalya since you two are her friends and she's going to need someone to help her spend my money.

Countessa-Yeah, well, just hope her father doesn't show up.

Alia-Admiral Osterly, right? The Russian Attorney working with Pastora Condon in Spain?

Countessa-So you knew her identity the whole time?

Alia-As did The Father and Dan. She's been to our house before. When Jesus was shot at. Yeah, I remember. I even know where she lives. I'll give you the address, you may find your money and get on my good side if you do. I need to make some calls. You two are free to go.

Countessa-Not that easy.

She pulls out a gun of her own. In an instant the weapon is aimed at Alia.

Countessa-Jake and I don't need your money Admiral Osterly already paid us. To murder you! In cold blood.

A woman walks right through the front door and smiles at Countessa and Jake.

Rachel Deschanel-Jake, Countessa, your time is up!

Alia-Rachel? What a surprise.

Rachel-Is Aaron here, or is he here as Dan?

Alia-He's been 'Dan' for the last couple of stories.

Rachel-You two, Countessa and Jake, get out! Now, where's Dan's soul mate? The Russian girl. I need to see her, is she still here?

Alia-She was arrested.

Rachel-For what?

Alia-Theft. Those two called the cops over here since they claimed they saw her take money from us.

Rachel-That doesn't sound like her though. She's 100% Iley. She wouldn't steal from her own people. I know for a fact that 'Natalya Glory' is completely on our side.

Alia-Natalya who?

Rachel-Her last name is 'Glory.'

Alia-The girl I thought she was is Russian and a thief named Natalya Mission. We have to get Miss Glory out of jail and back with Dan.

The jail cell holds one innocent angel. He walks closer to see her crying. He drove alone with the bail money needed to free her.

Dan-You're free. I signed for your release. Alia was tricked. There's another Natalya. She looks like you, and she's Russian too. Only difference, she's not aligned with the North Iley Starfleet, you are.

Natalya-I have a twin sister. My real first name is Glory, hers is Mission. Long story. She moved to Spain with our mother and father, and I lived with Alia before you were her student. She chose you for me. But you had to be ready for my love. I slept by your door because I love you. Those two think I am Natalya Mission and assumed I was stealing from you. They probably stole the money themselves.

Dan-Then marry me, because I love you too.

Natalya-Maybe I should.

Dan-I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work, do you?

Natalya-Can we go for a drive?

Dan-Sure.

Natalya-One thing, though. You will have to drive. I don't have my car here.

Dan-That's fine.

He leads her out of the jail and into the parking lot, holding her hand in his. For dear life.

Dan-I can't write well when I am missing you.

Natalya-What?

Dan-We can cut the act.

Natalya-I really do have a twin sister.

Dan-No, the story. I'm supposed to be mad at you.

Natalya-Stay in your character.

Dan-I'm so pissed off at you.

Natalya-I thought you were writing a story.

Dan-But I can't finish it without you.

Natalya-I'm pissed off, too.

Reluctantly he starts the engine and they pull away form the jail building. Not one word is spoken for fifteen minutes, almost the whole way back to Crystal Acres.

She turns on the radio to a slow country song.

Dan-This is going to make me cry.

Natalya-Me too.

Dan-I hate being mad at you.

Natalya-You just let the whole story go to shit just to be with me. The thing with the missing money was cool. And the two Natalya's. That's neat.

Dan-Nothing matters right now, because I can't stop crying over you.

Natalya-You just drove by your house. I thought...

Dan-I need to spend some time with you.

Natalya-What do you want from me?

Dan-A chance.

Natalya-Now you know about me, I can't do that.

He bows his head and cries enough tears to fill an ocean. Seeing this she offers him a tissue.

The DJ plays another familiar song to both of them.

Dan-This was playing the night we met.

Natalya-Yeah, it was.

More tears fall from his eyes.

Dan-The last two months have been awesome. With you.

Natalya-With me around, you mean.

Dan-Yeah, something like that.

He pulls the car over to the side of the road. Stops the engine and can't take it anymore. Gets out of the car. Shuts the door and walks several feet from the car, in tears.

He doesn't seem to notice her crying herself. How could he get back in the car with her, knowing he loves her so much.

His cell phone rings. She decides to answer it. Only its a message. 'Dear Dan, I hope things get better and that you've stopped crying over her, things will get better for you, the right one is out there somewhere.'

She calls the number back.

Candace Yordania-Yes?

Natalya-Hi.

Candace-You aren't Dan?

Natalya-No, I'm not. I think he'll be fine, though.

Candace-That depends on how badly he got hurt by you. What did you do to him, he was so happy with you. He used to just light right up when he'd mention the greatest thing that has ever happened to him.

Natalya-And I took that away from him?

Candace-Yes. Where is he?

Natalya-He went for a walk, and left me in the car. I got your message.

Candance-What do you want to do?

Natalya-Well he did tell me he didn't want to talk to me anymore.

Candance-And you said that's fine with you, didn't you?

Natalya-It's probably the best thing right now.

Candance-Right now or forever? To walk by him as if you don't know who he is. To hear him sing in front of you and not clap for him. To have your friends walk up and give him hugs and handshakes and for you to sit there and not recognize that this is the man who loves you with all of his God given heart. Can you pretend that he never loved you? I couldn't do that. Then again, that's me. I'm his friend, I care a Hell of a lot about his happiness. I just know that, damn, he was so happy there for a while. It was Natalya this, and Natalya that. You used to call him. You used to have him over. Damn, why didn't it work! You had the man you were looking for right in front of you and you didn't even notice him standing there holding you in his arms. Who the Hell do you think was holding you for dear life?

Natalya(Crying)-I don't know. I don't know anymore. I just got to a point where I thought I knew what I wanted, and now I don't know. (Crying)

Candace-Just love him back. Try. For once. People meet on accident every day. You can't ever predict the things that happen to you. People should give up trying, it never fucking works. You could be on a date with someone and end up falling head over heels for their friend. It has been known to happen.

Natalya(Still crying)-How did you know?

Candace-My friend is a sweet person. I was there that night.

Natalya-Why me then. I mean I know the story here says something about God and soul mate stuff and someone driving him there and all of this stuff, half of it I don't understand, and the other half happened before I met him.

Candance-It's all about what lead you to him. What things in someone's life direct them toward their destiny. By the time his eyes met yours he knew it was all meant to happen. No DNA mapping could predict that. I have to go, but think about all of this. You can delete my text message.

Natalya-Okay, and thanks.

Candance-Take care of my friend.

Natalya(Crying again)-I will. I promise.

While on his walk a pick up truck pulls over to see if he is alright.

The door opens and a very familiar face walks closer to him.

Gabe Krenshaw-Hey, buddy. What are you doing out here?

Huge teardrops fall from Dan's eyes, as he can barely speak knowing that nothing he says can completely illustrate to his new friend how badly his heart is breaking.

Gabe-Hey, you can hang out with us later, some people already know. The friends you've already made are not going to discontinue their loyalty to you.

Dan-That means a lot. I would hate to not hang out with you guys because of my broken heart. I'm supposed to be strong, right.

He offers Dan a ride back to his car, where Natalya waits.

At first she is glad to see him, but surprised to see Gabe.

Natalya-I've seen you a few times.

Gabe-This one doesn't deserve to be hurt anymore.

Natalya-Fine.

Gabe-Dan, if you change your mind and want to hang out, you know where we'll be. Don't hesitate to come up to us, if you need to talk later. I'm figuring you will.

As he drives off and leaves Dan and Natalya alone she reveals the white envelope in question.

Natalya-You might as well open it.

Dan-What's in it.

Natalya-Two things. My transfer to Orla to serve with Greagory and Roxanne as their legal secretary, and the identity of your true soul mate.

Dan-Your leaving?

Natalya-Yes.

He slowly opens the envelope, looks over her release papers, and her signature letting her go from his life.

Dan-Will you be in touch?

Natalya-Sadly, I can't.

Dan-Why?

Natalya-Would you really want me to, after everything I've done to you. And all the tears you cried for me. Knwoing that you can't just hop in your car and drive and see me and make love to me and kiss me, I won't hurt you further, but I have to go. Here's the address of your true soul mate.

He opens a slip of paper in the envelope, to reveal her name 'Liani Kesare Querida'

Natalya-She's expecting you.

Dan-What? Doesn't her name mean something?

Natalya-You don't speak Spanish, do you?

Dan-Not usually.

Natalya-It means...Dearly Beloved, Long Haired, Spanish Girl if you decode it right with the popular meanings behind the names in a baby book. But seriously that's her name.

When they arrive, finally, back at the house, her car and Mirabella are waiting for them.

Mirabella-I'll take Natalya home.

Dan-Thank you.

He reaches out to shake her hand, but she won't, which surprises him.

Dan-I didn't know if you had a problem with me or not.

Mirabella-I don't. It's my other friend who does, nevermind.

Dan-Good luck, Natalya. And say hi to Greagory and Roxanne for me.

Natalya-Thank you, and I will.

Mirabella-I'll be back in time for dinner, so save me a spot, I just have to drive her home. While you guys were gone, Jake and Countessa cleared everything up, we had to get you guys to talk to each other so we used the gun and the whole thing with Rachel as a distraction so that you guys wouldnt be here and could spend some time together. It was all planned so that she could tell you about her transfer and you wouldn't freak out, plus she wanted to tell you about Liani on her own, too. I'll explain everything to you when I get home, she's anxious to move.

Dan-Okay. But when do I meet this spanish girl?

Mirabella-Tomorrow night.

Dan-Where does she live?

Mirabella gives Natalya a look as if she needs a few more minutes to talk to Dan about Liani.

Mirabella-She's in the hospital. In critical condition.

Dan-What?

Mirabella-She was on a vacation, with some friends. An explosion went off.

Dan-How bad is she hurt?

Mirabella-Hold on.

She uses her cellphone to call Jake and Countessa.

Mirabella-Are you going to take him to see Liani?

Jake-Yeah, did you tell him the whole gun and missing money thing was just for the story and that this is real life?

Mirabella-I think he gets the point.

Jake-We just went shopping, give us five minutes.

Mirabella-Jake and Countessa will fill you in, but I need to get Natalya to her shuttle.

Dan-Hey, tell her I'll miss her.

Mirabella-I will.

Suddenly huge tears fall from his eyes as he catches a glimpse of her out of the corner of his eye as she waits in Mirabella's car to leave.

Mirabella-Walk over to her, if you want to.

He makes his way slowly to the window as she rolls it down for him.

Natalya-It has been nice knowing you in this way. I hope you like Liani.

Dan-I really like you though.

Natalya-Don't cry over me. It makes me sad to see you this way.

Dan-For the first time?

Natalya-Yeah. I think so. I may send you a card at Christmas, but don't get upset if I don't.

Dan-If you do I will put it someplace safe in my heart. I will remember you as the woman who saved me from the shit I had to go through before and for the beautiful slow dances we had.

Natalya-I could feel you melt in my arms. This is not an easy thing to leave. Now that I'm sort of past everything bad that happened afterwards I'm really hoping you find happiness.

Dan-I would've been happy with you in your heart.

Natalya-Damn.

Dan-Why do you say that?

Natalya-I wih my head was on a little less crooked. That's all. I should've married you. I'm not sure if I will stay there forever. Who knows, if you don't like Liani, I may be your angel yet, my dear.

Dan-I've missed you. I'm going to smash the characterizations of me and you right now and go out on a fucking limb and tell you to your face that I love you with all of my heart and no one will ever take away from me the way you felt in my arms the night we met and fuck anyone and kick anyone you want in the jaw if they try to take it away from us.

Natalya-No, they never will be able to. I want to cry right now.

She slowly gets out of the car and stands by him, and surprises him with a long kiss, mixed with tears which by now are covering her eyes.

He can't help but to hold her for dear life.

Dan-I wanted to make all of your dreams come true. I could have. I truly could have. I fell in love with a cowgirl, and now I can't seem to let you go. The most unexpected thing that has ever, ever, ever happened to me was meeting you, and if people want to say that you find true love when you least expect it then they're all right. They're all right. I know this now. I met the woman of my dreams one night in February, and yeah, some people tried and failed to come inbetween us but my dear before you leave I just want you toknow that I'm here for you in case things don't turn out on Orla or if you do nothing but fight with Roxanne or Greagory, come home. Please come home. I'll wait for you with a candlelit dinner and roses for you. But if you don't want that I will wait for you anyway because I love you.

Natalya-I love you, too. I can't believe I just said that to you, but I just did. I felt it for real in my heart and now I don't want to leave you either. But I must. They are expecting me.

The french kiss they share is priceless and lasts longer than 5 minutes. Mirabella comes back and loads the rest of her stuff into the trunk of the car. As they pull away from the driveway, Dan bows his head to himself and cries to himself, for 25 minutes. FInally he sits down on the curb next to the driveway and finishes his crying.

Jake and Countessa pull up to the driveway to see him crying. Quickly they park the car and see if they can help their new friend.

Jake-I know. It's going tobe hard without her around. You have dances to learn.

Dan-Fuck that! If she's not going to be there to cheer for me. You guys didn't see how happy I was the night her and I met. A real angel was sent down from Heaven and brought to me. Me! And now I knew her for a little over two months and now just like blowing out a candle, she's gone. What the hell do I do now? So far in the last year I've lost an angel from God, I got hurt and brutally lied to by some psychopath, I can tell the next one that yeah I'm fractured and I'm even divorced to go along with that. I have a dent in my car from some witch who fucked my life over for 8 months and by the time I met Natalya I was toohurt to really fall for her and really be there for her, instead I held onto her for dear life. Too much.

Jake-Shh. You still haven't met Liani.

Dan-I'm not sure if I want to now.

Countessa-Why? And yeah I should tell you again about the gun and the missing money, Alia did all that so you could talk face to face with Natalya in the car the way you did, and for you to meet Gabe, her new boyfriend. This whole trilogy of stories is being handed down to you to not only keep Natalya close to your heart when she leaves, but also to serve as a reminder to you of how you cleaned yourself up and how you were finally able to meet Liani on your own. Listen, she's in really bad shape, and close to dying. Those damn bombs. Her face is badly hurt, and she has a lot of scrapes and cuts on her body. When you go into the medical ward, you will need a doctors mask and a different outfit to come into her room.

Dan-I'm ready.

Claud walks back over to his friend and looks at the clock on the wall of her heavily guarded room.

Liani Kesare Querida-When will he be here?

Claud-Soon.

Liani-It's been hours. Months. Years. We were supposed to meet so long ago. Will he run when he realizes Ineed a lot of attention. Or that I'm exactly like him, in every way, down to our sign. And our height. Housed in the Forest of Harps I waited patiently for him tobe ready, and now he is.

Claud-Are you ready though, just in case he falls madly in love with you, my friend. Are you ready to accept someone new into your life and your heart, when all you've known is hurt?

Liani-I can certainly try.

A knock is heard. He wears the needed medical outfit. Tears are falling from his eyes. She looks up and finally comes face to face with her destiny.

Jake and Countessa are closeby. Holding hands with each other.

Liani-Don't let my scarred body keep you from coming closer to get a look at me.

Dan-I won't.

Finally the two soul mates are together after six years of being apart. Another knock is heard on her door. Dressed in her own medical outfit is Natalya. And next to her Jesus.

Dan-How close can I get to her, Jesus?

Jesus-As close as you want. You know at the beginning of this set of stories you were the one in the hospital, right? Strung out on junk food and practically puking your guts up at the park that day because you spent six dollars on junk food. But see it never got that far, you collapsed without having to vomit up everything you had just eaten. No one had to clean up the mess, you just lay there and gave up. See this woman, she could've done that, too. But her will to live own out in the end and the dream of finally meeting someone like you and the hope of being there for you. I'm telling you, the medical staff would've rather just cleaned up some olive green vomit from your stomach from your outfit, then seeing Dan Sherrill lay there helpless and dead.

Liani-Jesus told me everything about you. And what I will come to expect.

He is distracted when he realizes that Natalya is right there to see and hear allof these things about him that she never knew before.

Natalya-Are these things true? Why didn't you tell me?

Dan-I wasn't ready to, but we basicallyonly spend a few days together in person, the rest was justover the phone and whatever, it wasn't the right time or setting to be getting into my problems, but eventually I would've told you, no wait, why tell you? Why keep dwelling on it? I wanted to start completely over with you andn ot think about what lead me to you, only the way you feltin my arms as we slow danced that first night. That moment washed away any doubts or bad feelings Ihad towardmyself since I was finally face toface with the most beautiful Ihad ever seen up to that point and I just wanted to enjoy every solitary second of those four minutes that I had found myself in complete awe of how beautiful you were. That's what was important to me.

Claud-My friend, Liani, you have a genuine heart awaiting you. Do you think you can deal with that for a change.

Liani-I think so.

Natalya-Miss Liani, I can't pronounce your name right, as I've never taken Spanish, but you please take care of Dan. I can't help but regret not being his soul mate myself, because you don't realize the love I would've given him if it were only true. It's happening again, I'm crying and I know it. I hate to cry in front of you and Dan and you, Jesus, and two of my dearest friends, but this is something I cannot hide any longer.

Jesus walks over and hold Natalya in his arms.

Natalya-Now that I know, Dan, I just hope I helped you out a little bit in your recovery. I hope the smile on my face that first night we met was enough to dig you out of your downward spiral and to get your spirits back up. You deserve so much in this life to just lay there dead on a parkbench thinking that no one in the world loved you, well if noone else in this room raises their hand, I want to in the hopes that you will know that I do love you dearly, my friend.

He looks over at Natalya as she cries openly to him.

Dan-It was enough. I might as well use your real name, but I won't, I will just say this much. It did get me back on my feet. For the two songs we danced to I felt special to at least someone in this world. And yeah, I can't lie and say this isn't hard since the woman here in the hospital bed in front of me is my destined soul mate, and, well, you aren't, but that will not keep me from wishing you were or could've been just a little closer to me than you became over the last few months and I know I upset you a few times, but you always met me with a smile no matter how upset you were at me, and I never lost sight of the beautiful night that we met.

Natalya-I won't lose sight of it either. I have to go now.

Without a hug, or anything she walks quickly out of Liani's room and returns the outfit to the nurse and walks toward the exit, choke sobbing.

Dan takes another look at Liani, who is obviously in a lot of pain judging from the amount of life support she is hooked up to, as a single new tear falls down his cheek.

Liani-It's alright, go to her. I'll be here when you decide to come back to me.

Dan-Thank you. I promise, I'll be back.

He throws down his medical outfit and runs at top speed out the door and halfway down the road as he sees her car pull away, then stop. Turn around and slowly drive to find Dan completely broken down and crying.

Natalya-Get in the car. I have a few minutes.

As he shuts the door and puts his seatbelt on, the sound of raindrops is revealing.

Dan-Just like our tears for each other. We met on accident, you know.

Natalya-I know. I remember. I don't easily forget important things.

Dan-I could make you so happy.

Natalya-Your effort has never gone unnoticed, I just didn't feel ready yet for your heart, at least not yet.

Dan-Are you starting to change?

Natalya-That's what makes this so fuckinghard to deal with. I turn you away and you go off and find Liani. I mean I know in the story I gave you some envelope with her name on it, but it hurts me, too. It hurt to see her so screwed up from whatever bomb went off when her and Claud were traveling, but damn it, why couldn't the results have been changed to me! To me!

She pulls the car over as it is now turning into a downpour outside.

Natalya-What if no one comes along that is as willing to cherish me as you already do and I'm on another planet working as a legal aid?

Dan-Would you miss me and want to come home to me?

Natalya-I would. The few times we spent together. I mean really spent together were awesome. I mever told you that before, but it was. I remember the two dances that night, too. And the DJ telling everyone to leave the dancefloor, and the audience watching us in awe. I remember all of it. I remember the holiday when we sort of got together, and how you were sick with barely a voice to talk to me, but then I came home and got into bed and my phone rang and it was you to make sure I was okay. Damn. I remember all of it. It will be hard to forget for the rest of my life, Dan. As long as I live. Leaving today is going to be the hardest thing I will ever have to do.

Dan-Get out of the car.

Natalya-But its pouring down rain?

Dan-I know. But before you drop me off and run off to your next adventure I want to hold you in my arms, and your car is too small for me to.

She shuts the car off and turns on the flashers. He unbuckles his seat belt and opens his door and walks over to where she is standing, takes on look at her beautiful face and reaches out to hold her, as the rain falls hard on them both. Soon, though, the rain is mixed with tears as they both can't help but cry at this sad moment in time.

Natalya-I swear to God I will love you forever.

Dan-I swear to you, Natalya, your impact on my life will never be forgotten. You rescued me and now look at me, I'm still not perfect, but I'm better. Because of you, and your grace and patience when I kept upsetting you. I'm so sorry for all of that, but I was so hurt when we met from someone else, yeah, I was at a point of wanting and needing badly to start over, and I ended up in your arms. What a painful but rewarding journey into a pretty cowgirl's arms. What a cool piece of writing Ihave now to show off to everyone, but what only afew people will remember is how I shut the door on a nightmare and let you open a different door for me to walk through and you did, you showed me that even distraught and physically battered, I could come out, change courses and end up falling for a beautiful angel.

She wakes up from a nap, it's 2am, and she's alone in her hospital room. What happend to Dan, she wonders. The same way everyone did when he rushed out of her room to be with Natalya.

A Nurse Colby walks in to check on her vital signs.

Liani-You might as well pull the plus and let me die.

Colby-Why?

Liani-Cause he's not coming back. I lost him to her.

Colby-Not to her. He's very fragile right now. You upset him, that's all. Meeting you and all of this upset him. You didn't lose him, yet.

Liani-So I might?

Colby-Honestly, yes. See, he wasn't actually supposed to meet Natalya. Someone screwed with The Father's soul mate mapping. Whoever it was replaced you with, well, Natalya. That's why he's not exactly thrilled to see you. He probably can't handle it right now, getting hurt by three women in a row and trying to get his life back on track, he probably doesn't even want to thinka bout a fourth one.

Liani-Who said I was going to hurt him?

Colby-Well, he's pretty shook up just sitting at the library writing this part of the story for a reason. He's scared that you're going to hurt him, too. Then what? Say to himself that four potential girlfriends have spit right in his face and let it drip off his chin and onto the floor for everyone he knows to see.

Liani-I won't.

Colby-Then your going to have to prove that to him.

She missed her flight already. They slept on the couch back home in Crystal Acres. Natalya wakes slowly, looks at him smiling while he sleeps and cuddles back up beside him and falls back to sleep.

Noticing this Alia walks in the room, but instead of becoming angry at them, she looks for a blanket and lays it softly on Dan and Natalya.

Alia-Sleep well, my dear.

She turns, finds her keys and gets in her car and drives at record speed to the hospital for a visit with Liani. When she walks into Liani's room, she finds her crying to herself.

Alia-I'm sorry.

Liani-He's given up on me. In real life, too. He wants the cowgirl he can't have. She's just going to hurt him. I know it. I've been waiting six years for this, I escaped death for him, and now look! I see him for what, five minutes, then he runs out and wants to catch her as she drives out of the parking lot away from him.

Alia-Calm down.

Liani-I will not. That bomb that went off nearly ripped my face right off of my bleeding skull and you want me to calm down. I'm getting closer and closer to just telling them to pull the plus and let me fucking die right here in the bed in front of everyone, but no I stayed alive long enough to meet this man you claimed to know that was perfect for me, and now what he wouldn't even talk to me, and plus she showed up. What am I going to do?

Alia-He'll come back, don't worry. Someday.

She grabs the pager.

Liani-Nurse I want you to pull the fucking cords out of me and let me die right here, right the fuck now!

Colby-I can't do that.

Liani-Then gasp for breath as I do it myself!

Several important monitors and unplugged from her body by her own hands until she begins to shake from the pain of being without her medication.

Colby-Alia, quick, hold her down so I can get this stuff back in her.

Liani-I would rather the bomb have killed me that lay here alone. To a man who doesn't want me, to you, Alia, and your broken promises of me finding my soul mate, what do I have to show for it now?

Alia-He'll be back. God, I can't control him, I'm sorry. He probably doesn't want you to hurt him.

Liani-But I'm not going to.

Colby-He doesn't know that.

Liani-Then what do I have to do?

Alia-Love him back. Cut the act for a minute! Cut out the story for a minute and the hospital and the blood and all of it just tell me, has he told you he loved you, yet?

Liani-On the computer, in an email today.

Alia-Do you believe him?

Liani-I don't know what to believe right now?

He walks in.

Dan-Why not? I meant it.

Liani-How long have you been listening?

Dan-Long enough to want Natalya's room number at Greagory and Roxanne's castle so I can be with someone who actually cares about me. I barely know you. I'm so upset right now I could cry, but would that make a difference to you? Maybe. I could walk away right now, and yeah, I'd be out $20 and some groceries, but at least I would feel better than I do now. I feel hurt and betrayed by what happened today. It wasn't fair or nice to just exclude me from your life like that. I can't live in limbo wondering if I'm going to have a girlfriend from one day to the next. I'm sorry. I can't go through that again. I'll stay with you as long as you need or want me to, but I can't go on with the question of who is really my soul mate and who really is my girlfriend much longer. I need someone who's going to be there for me when I'm crying and someone energetic and faithful, and yeah I feel bad for you right now seeing you, for story's sake, in a hospital bed and all of that, but in reality, let me help you and start a life with you and I will. You don't have to worry about me going anywhere but in your arms.

Liani-I don't know what I want right now. Maybe it was the wrong time, again, for us to meet and maybe you need to know me when I'm in better shape, or maybe we need to never talk again. I don't know. You need to clear the blonde out of your head and stop letting her get to you, and focus on me. I'm the one who's meant to save you, if you'll let me. Run to me crying and I'll be there for you, I wasn't today but you have to understand things are bad right now. I can't drop everything, but does that I don't love you? It shouldn't because there's always tomorrow and the next day. Did I ever say I didn't love you? Or that I didn't want you around?

No one notices this but Natalya is crying just outside the door.

Dan-Wait..shh. I hear someone crying.

Liani-Don't go to her. She's just going to hurt you.

Dan-It can't be any worse that what your going to do to me eventually.

Liani-Oh God, don't say that.

He's visibly crying. Walks out the door. Shuts the door on Liani and holds Natalya softly in his arms.

Liani-Damn it, Alia, what did I do?

Alia-I could tell you, but it would take another story and a half to illustrate it to you, but I'm really sorry about all of this. I will have The Father fix his soul mate mapping and choose someone else for you.

Meanwhile, she is in absolute tears in his arms.

Natalya-You used to say I was the only one who could call you real late. Is that still true. You used to look so forward to getting my calls and my messages and hearing my voice. I can't leave. You slept so quit next to me earlier. I couldn't help but want that to not end. I know what destiny and this shit means. Your destined to be with that woman and I understand all of that, I just don't understand why it is me, now, who has to get hurt and feel all alone in this world because the one decent guy who came along is now torn between me and someone girl he's destined to be with, well screw destiny, I will marry you, Dan.

Dan-But what will that do to Liani?

Alia-It shouldn't matter.

Dan-How long have you been there?

Alia-A while.

Dan-What do I do?

A woman hands Dan a small slip of paper, then walks away.

Dan-Hey, wait!

Alia-Open it.

Dan-It says, Love Always...Martina Cobson. There's a number, too. It looks like a cell number.

Alia-Here use mine, I think your service is disconnected, right? Have you ever met this woman?

Dan-No. She didn't look familiar to me at all.

He walks down the crowded hallway, and calls the number. It rings four times.

Martina Cobson-Empress Alia?

Dan-No, it's me Dan Sherrill.

Martina-Watch that woman who's pretending to die in the other room. We need to talk, you and I. No bombs went off.

Dan-I know I'm just writing a story.

Martina-Your soul mate, well, that's not her.

Dan-How do you know.

Martina-Because I'm not laying in a hospital bed! Do you understand now. Be careful. Read back a few pages in what you just wrote. When you guys were at the house waiting for Natalya to leave they told you that you'd meet your soul mate the next day, right. Instead you were brought here the same day to meet the wrong woman. Something's seriously up here.

She walks closer and taps him on the shoulder.

Martina-Hi, Dan.

Dan-Hi Martina. You look like a fashion model.

Martina-Thank you. Want to get some coffee?

Dan-Yeah. Listen, hwo did you know all of this? About me?

Martina-Anyone who's ever read 'Alia and the Boy' knows about your famed soul mate and that she lived in the Forest of Harps for six years. What no one knows is that there aren't any houses there, just long pathways like at a state park, you know, nature trails. No one can live there. Alia and you were tricked. I've been, um, disguised for most of the last few books, but I've been around. You have some things to investigate with me in the next one.

Dan-Are you wearing a mask?

Martina-I knew how to find you, didn't I? Just now when I tapped you on the shoulder, didn't I?

Dan-Who's doing this to me!

Martina-What?

Dan-Poisoning me!

In five seconds he collapses...lifeless.

Martina fades, as does the hospital and everyone in it.

Nurses shout and race to his aid, leaving only Alia to run with them, since Liani can't leave her bed. When she finds him he sits back up opens his eyes, takes a deep breath and shouts her name...

Dan-Collette! Collette! You have to help me, I'm dying. Where are you when I need you.

He knew her identity the whole time.

Somewhere on the streets of Paris, France, she collapses, too. His signal to her was overpowering and is heard throughout the entire city and she calls out his name at top volume.

Collette Yana-I'm here for you, my dear. I'm always here for you. I will find you if I have to kick the jaws of the jet pilots in until their teeth break off so I can get there quicker!

The End.

Gary Allan - Songs About Rain

Continue to Rehydrate Ash

Back to main page