Susannah had gotten to his room at eight the next morning. Sam and Viki were both already there. She tried, unsuccessfully, yet again, to get him to go inside and to get another alter to come out. She tried for the adult alters. There was no response. Susannah sat by his bed and gently explained to him what was going to happen. She told him it could be held off if he began to eat. There was still no response. Susannah had him heavily sedated. His vitals were checked and he was taken down for the procedure.

*****

The procedure went well. Kevin waited near the recovery room with Sam and Viki. Jimmy was still in a deep sleep when they wheeled him out. Both Sam and Viki stroked his hair and kissed his forehead. It seemed like a hundred years since they had been able to touch him.

It took a lot of convincing from Rachel and phone calls from Viki and Susannah, telling Téa there was nothing she could do for Jimmy. Finally, Téa was persuaded to stay home. Téa felt worse than she let on. Her head was throbbing. When she got off the phone, she crawled back into bed for another nap.

Viki had called Blair, as she usually did once daily, and told her that the procedure was over and Todd was doing fine. Blair wanted to come to the hospital, but Starr had come down with the sniffles and Blair did not want to leave her with the nanny or with Dorian. To this day, Blair was still overly anxious whenever Starr became ill. No matter how minor the illness was, Blair never forgot how close she and Todd came to losing their little girl.

*****

On the third day, since the PEG tube had been put in, Jimmy remained out and had to be kept under heavy sedation. Susannah would allow the sedation to lift. As soon as it did, Jimmy became highly agitated. They didn't know if he was in pain. He wouldn't or couldn't respond to their questions. They knew it was Jimmy because of his shrieks not to touch him if any staff member, Viki, Sam or Kevin came near him.

There was nothing any of them could do for him. No amount of love, or kind words could touch his suffering. Therapy sessions were impossible. Restraints would only cause him additional agony. Since he needed lots of hands on care, keeping him asleep was the only option for now.

*****

Nora called Susannah and asked her if she, Bill and his kids were coming to the seder. Nora had even invited Patches to come keep Mud company when she heard the dog had come to town with the children. Nora appreciated that Susannah could not say for sure until the last minute. Susannah knew that physically, Jimmy was doing well. There was no sign of infection around the incision. Medication had helped the bloating. He was tolerating being fed and medicated through the tube. Despite the heavy sedation, Jimmy would moan when he was touched for vitals, bathing, and especially when the incision was cared for. Susannah ordered a painkiller for him as well. It was given shortly before they tended to his incision and seemed to do the trick. There was nothing more Susannah could do for him. She was not sure why Jimmy stayed out. Perhaps his depression was too much for the system to handle and he was pushed out and not allowed back in, she theorized. In any case, it made little difference to Jimmy if Susannah was gone for a few hours. She told Nora that she, Bill and the kids would be there. Nora had been happy to hear that Susannah thought it went well with Bill's kids, not that Nora had any doubts about Bill's children liking Susannah. Nora had never known a child or an animal that didn't take to Susannah. Nora felt sadness wash over here when she heard what they had to do to Todd. She didn't understand why and then she realized she could hardly bear to think of those two little boys she met having to go through that. Nora chastised herself for her feelings. She kept telling herself that it's Todd's body and he deserves whatever happens to him. Somehow, that old reason didn't work as well for her anymore. Nora pushed the whole thing out of her mind and called the caterers to make sure everything would be delivered well before sundown.

*****

Despites Téa's protests that she would be all right if left alone, Viki came to stay with Téa so that Rachel could go enjoy her family without worrying. Viki pointed out that not only did she want to stay with her because she loved her, but that Todd would want that. Téa knew Viki was right. He would. Viki could see that Téa was forcing herself to stay awake to keep her company. Viki went into full mother mode. She not only insisted that Téa lie down, she tucked her in. That simple action, brought tears to Téa's eyes. It had been a long time since "a mother" had tucked her in. It triggered incredibly strong emotions. Viki realized this. She kissed Téa on the forehead and gave her silent support until she fell asleep. Viki knew no matter how strong Téa was able to be for Todd and the alters, she had many issues and needs of her own. She was happy if she was able to fill some of those needs for this young woman she had grown to love.

*****

Susannah waited in front of the hospital for Bill and his "gang" to pick her up. Tracy looked adorable in the dress Susannah had helped her pick out. She had gotten the little girl a new pair of shoes to go with it. Josh looked as uncomfortable as any eight-year-old would in his suit. Michael's suit was trendy and he seemed perfectly at home in it. On the way over, Susannah gave them some idea of what to expect at a seder. Josh and Tracy got very excited when she told them that as the youngest, they could read the four questions if they wanted to. They also were excited over the hiding of the matzoh when they found out that whoever finds it, wins a prize.

Rachel, Hank and RJ had already arrived when Susannah, Bill, the kids and Patches arrived. To Susannah's surprise, Asa and Renee were there too. Bo had already warned Asa and Hank not to make any snide remarks about Todd. Susannah introduced Bill and his family to everyone. Patches and Mud cautiously sniffed each other. Within minutes they were acting like two old friends and chasing each other around the house much to the children's delight.

Renee, Rachel and Susannah helped Nora put everything out.

"I'm starved. How long before we get this show on the road," Asa called out.

"Asa!" Renee scolded. "Everything that's needed for the seder has to be put out."

"Hang on, Pa," Bo kidded. "If you pass out from hunger, we may just give your portion to the dogs."

Finally, Nora called everyone to the table. Rachel spoke first. She looked lovingly at Nora and Hank. "Since I am the product of a connection between a Christian and a Jew, the Passover seder has always been important to me because it is one of the strongest connections between Christians and Jews. The dinner Jesus hosted for his disciples, the Last Supper, was the seder meal."

Renee spoke next. "Seder is the traditional Passover Week Dinner celebrated by the Hebrews since the Exodus. It is the Hebrew Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for deliverance from slavery in Egypt and redemption. Seder is also called the Passover Dinner, commemorating the protection of God as the Angel of Death passed over every family protected by the Blood of the Paschal Lamb. It is the festival of freedom and of Spring."

Bo stood up. "There is a special way the seder takes place. The word 'seder' means 'order' in Hebrew. So the seder is the order of this special dinner. You'll notice that you each have a book next to your place setting. This is the guide for the seder. The seder is detailed in this book known as the Haggadah, which literally means 'narration.' It relates the story of the Exodus from Egypt."

RJ, who had not only attended seders at Nora's house before, but also attended them as a young boy at his church, spoke next. "There are some special things we do at this dinner. One of them is to place a pillow at left side of the leader of the seder. We all recline to the left during this meal to symbolize eating comfortably as a free person and not as a slave. We also have a special seder plate. Each item on it is a special food that symbolizes the sacrifices which were brought in the temple. More will be explained about this when the four questions are asked." RJ turned to Josh and Tracy and winked at them. "That's where both of you come in."

The children exchanged looks and broke into giggles. Susannah and Bill squeezed each other's hand under the table. They were happy to see the kids having a good time.

Hank was next to speak. "Many of the customs and rituals of the seder are derived from the Greco-Roman customs at banquets. One of these rituals is the cleansing of the diners' hands before eating anything. This is why you see a pitcher of water and a basin and towels at the table. It is thought that the first washing at the Last Supper was when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet."

RJ stood and spoke once more. "There are four cups of wine drunk during the seder, and these four cups are based upon a verse in Exodus 6:6-7, where God describes the Divine plan for redeeming the people of Israel to Moses. God says, 'I am the Lord; I will free you from the labors of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and through extraordinary chastisements. And I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God. And you shall know that I, the Lord, am your God who freed you from the labors of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession, I am the Lord.' We don't fill our cups with wine. Although we are celebrating the Hebrews' freedom from oppression, we do not rejoice over the suffering of those who oppressed them. We show compassion. A fifth cup is put out, but not drunk. It is The Cup for Elijah. He was a profit. At the end of the meal we open the door for him and wait to see if he comes to sip from his cup of wine."

Susannah and Rachel smiled at RJ. They were both impressed with this side of him that he seldom showed. Hank smiled as well. He remembered when he used to take the hand of his little brother and walk into Sunday School with him.

Nora pointed to the seder plate. "The roasted shank bone represents the Paschal sacrifices which the Jews brought to the temple during a feast predating the Passover holiday." She then pointed to the leaf of romaine lettuce. "The Maror, or bitter herb, symbolizes the bitterness of the bondage the Jews endured in Egypt." With a smile on her face and a questioning look in her eyes, Nora nodded to Susannah. She didn't know if Susannah still remembered the seder ritual.

Susannah stood and pointed to the next item on the seder plate. "Charoseth is a mixture of chopped apples, nuts, cinnamon, honey, and wine, which represents the mortar Jewish slaves used to build the great stone structures of Egypt." Pointing to the boiled potato, Susannah continued. "Karpas, a vegetable, is a symbol of hope and renewal of life promised with the coming of spring." Susannah sat down.

Rachel stood and pointed to the last of the two items on the seder plate, yet unmentioned. "A charred or roasted egg represents the burnt offerings Jews brought to the first temple on every day of the Passover feast." Rachel finally pointed to the three pieces of matzoh, each individually wrapped in a napkin in its special place under the other foods on the seder plate. "Matzoh is the unleavened bread that is eaten during Passover. It's meant to serve as a reminder of the hardship Jews suffered in Egypt. They had to depart so quickly that their bread didn't have time to rise. Two of the pieces represent the loaves of the bread blessed on every Sabbath and holiday, and the third is the matzoh we use in the seder."

Rachel sat down and turned the floor over to Hank again. "The Afikoman is a part of the middle piece of matzoh. It is broken off and hidden by the leader of the seder. The children who attend the seder must find it. Traditionally, the one who finds the Afikoman ransoms it back to the leader for some type of reward."

"Tracy! That's us!" Josh said to his sister as he bounced up and down with excitement.

Susannah loved to see that Bill's children adapted well to new situations and that they were perfectly at ease with strangers. They felt free to express themselves and their joy. She knew that Bill and the children's mother had given them love and security. For a moment, her thoughts went to Todd and how different things were for him as a child. Susannah realized she would be lost in thoughts about him if she didn't push Todd from her mind for now.

Hank finished with one more statement. "We each have a small bowl of salt water at our place. Salt water, into which the Karpas is dipped before eating, symbolizes the tears of all those who suffered for freedom."

Nora stood up. Looking in the children's direction, she asked. "To use Asa's words, is everyone ready to get this show on the road?"

"Yeah!" Tracy exclaimed gleefully.

"When do we get to the present for finding the Matzoh?" Josh asked.

Everyone else at the table laughed.

"Not for a while yet, partner," Bo replied. "First there are lots of goodies to eat."

"I can eat a horse," Michael commented.

"I hope you'll settle for roasted chicken and brisket," Nora joked. "I'm not sure if horse is Kosher anyway."

They all heard that Michael had a full, warmhearted laugh, like his dad.

Nora began the seder by lighting the candles. She recited the blessing. "Blessed art Thou O Eternal our God, ruler of the Universe who sanctified us by Thy commandments and ordained that we kindle the festival lights."

Rachel no longer drank alcohol because of her past substance abuse problem, so her glass was filled with grape juice, as were the children's glasses. The rest were filled with wine.

Bo held up the first cup of wine. "Blessed art Thou O Eternal our God, ruler of the Universe, who creates the products of the vine." Leaning on his left side, he drank from the cup, as did everyone else.

The children's eyes were as big as saucers as they watched to see what would come next.

Bo took the pitcher of water and basin in front of him. "We wash our hands several times during the seder by pouring water from a pitcher, twice on each hand, beginning with the right. In the Jewish legal conception of the significance of food, vegetables are considered as less significant than baked bread. Therefore, this washing before eating a vegetable does not require a blessing. We do say one before eating the vegetable."

The pitcher and basin were passed around for everyone. Susannah saw Josh was having a little trouble lifting it and she helped him. Josh smiled up at her lovingly.

Bo lifted a piece of the potato. "'Blessed art Thou O Eternal our God, ruler of the Universe creates the fruit of the earth.' We now dip this in the saltwater."

Everyone dipped his or her potato in the little dish of salt water.

"Okay kids. Here comes some of the fun stuff," RJ teased them.

Bo broke the middle piece of Matzoh in half. He wrapped one of the halves in another napkin. "You guys cover your eyes and no peeking."

Tracy and Josh put their hands over their eyes.

Bo placed the covered piece of Matzoh under a couch cushion. "Okay! You can open your eyes."

"Do we get to look for it now?" Tracy asked.

"Nope, not yet," RJ told them. He was getting a kick out of little ones being at the table again.

The adults at the table took turns telling the Passover story. Even Asa, thanks to his own Sunday School days, was able to contribute.

"But I like frogs!" Josh protested when Asa got to the part about the frogs being the second plague on the Pharaoh.

"Well, I don't think you'd like to have them in your face and on your tummy and sitting on top of your head." Bill tickled each of those body parts on Josh, as he kidded with him. Josh broke into a fit of giggles.

The children remained wide-eyed throughout. The children, Asa, Renee, and Bill all picked it up quickly. Everyone was now invested in the festivity of the seder and the rest of the pre-meal ritual passed joyously. When the Passover story was finished, Susannah leaned over to Tracy and Josh. "I think this is when the four questions are asked. Do you both want to read them?"

They both nodded eagerly.

Susannah opened their Haggadahs and turned it to the right page.

As the youngest, Josh began. "Why is this night different from all other nights?"

Bo answered. "The Israelites left Egypt so quickly that their bread had not enough time to rise or to be baked in the oven. Instead, the bread baked under the hot sun causing it to flatten into a hard, unleavened bread."

Tracy asked the next question. "Why on any other night can we eat any kind of herbs but tonight only bitter herbs?"

Nora answered this one. "The bitter herbs remind us of the bitter lives slaves endure, particularly the bitter lives of the Israelites in Egypt."

Josh asked the third. "Why on any other night do we not dip even once but on this night we dip twice?"

Bill read from the Haggadah as he answered. "When we dip the parsley in salt water, we are reminded not only of the return of Spring but also of the tears shed by the Israelite slaves. When we dip a second time by putting the maror into the sweet haroset, we are reminded that times of sorrow can become seasons of hope."

Tracy asked the last of the four questions. "Why on any other night can we eat and drink either sitting or reclining but tonight we only recline?"

Susannah read the next answer. "In ancient times to recline at the table was a privilege of those who were free, so tonight we recline to express our freedom. We hope that oppressed people will overcome their adversity so they can live in peace and dignity and have liberty to pursue life to the fullest."

"Great job kids!" Asa started applauding. The others laughed and applauded along with him as they too praised the children.

"I'm so proud of you both," Bill whispered to them.

"You guys read so well I'm gonna have to get you to start doing my homework for me," Michael joked with them.

Rachel then led them in the singing of a lively Passover song called Da-Dayanu.

"So, did I hear anyone say they were still hungry?" Nora knew the small amounts of food and matzoh they had eaten so far would not have put a dent in their appetites.

"Me! Me!" Josh and Tracy called out.

"You'd better have plenty back there," Asa said loudly.

"Don't worry, Pa. If there's not enough Renee will take you to a rib joint on your way home," Bo teased.

The meal started off with chicken soup with matzoh balls and was followed by gefilted fish served with horseradish, roasted brisket of beef and chicken, a firm potato pudding called a potato kugel, a dish made with sweet potatoes, carrots and prunes and sweetened with honey, called a tzimmes, and side dishes of pickled cucumbers and beets. Assorted chocolate candies, chocolate soufflé cake, honey cake, fruit cup and multicolored jelly candies were the dessert choices.

By the time the meal was finished, the men needed to loosen their belts.

"I'm not eating another thing for a week," Renee announced.

Mud and Patches, who were each served their own plate of meat and vegetables, were both curled up next to each other and were sound asleep.

"Good thing I don't have a game tomorrow," Michael joked as he patted his stomach. "I'd never make any of those jumps." Michael had already told them he was on his school's basketball team.

Keeping his speech casual, RJ spoke up. "I know what the next step is." RJ winked at Bill and Susannah and sighed loudly and deliberately. "But I'd guess that Tracy and Josh are too full and too tired to hunt for that piece of matzoh."

"No we're not!" both children proclaimed loudly as they jumped out of their seats.

"Then you'd better get to it before the dogs wake up and beat you to it," Asa said with false sternness."

"Can we look everywhere?" Tracy asked. Bill and her mom had taught her it wasn't nice to look in draws and things like that in someone else's house.

"Be our guest," Nora told them.

It took them about fifteen minutes to find it. Susannah noticed the closeness between them as they worked as a team.

"We found it! We found it!" they both cried out and ran back to the table with it.

"Looks like we have two winners here," Bo commented.

"Then I guess we'll need double the amount of the prizes," Nora stated. Nora had already prepared for this by getting Susannah to find out from Bill what his kids liked.

"Let's see what we got here," Bo said as Nora handed him the gifts. "This one seems to have the name Josh on it." He handed Josh the wrapped present.

“And this one says 'Tracy' so I can take a wild guess who this one goes to." Nora handed Bill's daughter another of the wrapped presents.

"We seem to have one more," Bo announced. He looked at the name, as if he didn't know whom it was for. "Says Michael, so this must be for you." He handed Bill's oldest boy a gift.

Nora saw the teenager looked embarrassed. "It's a package deal in this house. When one child finds the matzoh, all the kids in the family get a gift, even if they are very grown up."

"Thanks," Michael said simply. He took the gift with grace.

When Michael, Tracy and Josh saw the interactive basketball game, Backstreet Boys CD, and interactive baseball game, respectively, they were all thrilled. The young children wondered how these people who hardly knew them knew what their favorites were. Michael figured out that Susannah must have asked his father. He smiled in their direction.

After the Afikoman was eaten, the after dinner grace was recited and the third cup of wine was drunk.

The door was opened for the profit Elijah.

When Elijah's wine remained untouched, Josh said, "Maybe he came but he wasn't thirsty."

That the child was serious made his remark even more endearing to the adults.

Bo said the blessing for the fourth cup of wine. "The fourth cup of wine reminds us that we have an obligation to live morally, to respect others, to give to others less fortunate than we, and to be grateful for our blessings. Let us bless this cup of wine and remember our obligation to liberate those who suffer from oppression today."

They each drank from their cup one more time and then the seder was over.

Nora, Bo, Rachel, and Hank cleared away the table. Bo and Nora insisted Susannah and Bill relax and get to know RJ, Asa and Renee.

The dogs woke up and had to go. Michael offered to take them for a walk. Tracy and Josh went with them. Bill called after them to make sure not to go off the block.

"So you're the shrink who's getting inside Todd Manning's head. Well, Doc, I can tell you that is not someplace I'd like to be."

"Asa!" Renee chastised. "You promised."

"What? I didn't say a word in front of the kids. By the way, Bill, those are some fine children you've got there. Maybe you and the doc here will soon be having some of your own kids running around? Nora!" Asa bellowed. "You gonna let your sister and Bill beat you and Bo in the baby makin' department?"

Renee rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry. I wish I could say it's the wine, but he's always like that."

"I'd think being a headshrinker, Susannah is happy to talk to someone who's not afraid to speak his mind. Ain't that right, Doc?" Asa pressed.

Susannah laughed. "Asa, I have to say that you don't seem like a man who holds back his thoughts."

Asa turned to Bill. "She's got a nice laugh. She's good with your kids and she's a looker. You'd better hold on to this one."

Just as the children came back in with the dogs, Susannah's beeper went off.

She looked at it. "Excuse me. I have to call the hospital."

"Can't Manning stay on his rocker long enough to give you one night out?" Asa snapped. He felt Renee poke him in the ribs.

Susannah headed into the den for some privacy.

*****

"Susannah, Todd surfaced." Connie began. "He seemed to be having a nightmare as he was coming out of sedation. He's still really out of it, but he's agitated. He's crying and whimpering. He's calling out for Viki and his mother. He's also complaining that his stomach hurts. I checked the incision and it looks good. His vitals are good too."

"Did you call Viki?" Susannah asked.

"Yes. She didn't want to wake Téa or pull Rachel away from her family. She called Kevin to come stay with Téa. She also hopes Kevin will be able to keep Téa from rushing to the hospital when she hears Todd has come back."

"Good. Viki will never trust us enough to leave the hospital if she's not contacted immediately when Todd or one of the alters calls for her. Is Sam with Todd?" Susannah asked.

"No, Sam's not in the lounge. We don't know where he is. He might have gone for a walk or for something to eat. He was sitting with Jimmy for several hours and then he left. We assumed he went to the lounge until we tried to get him."

"Is Todd calling for him?"

"No. He's only calling for Viki and his mother."

"Keep telling Todd, Viki and I will be right there. Hold off sedating him again, unless he gets out of control. I'd like to have a chance to assess him. Set the bed up with restraints, just in case, but I only want them used as a last resort if talk and sedation don't help. Keep him on two-to-one."

"Will do," Connie said.

*****

Bo, Nora, Hank and Rachel were back in the living room when Susannah returned. "I'm sorry. I have to get back to the hospital." Susannah turned to Bill's children. "My patient woke up and he's upset. I have to go see him."

"Can you spend time with us again tomorrow?" Tracy asked.

"I hope so. I'll try." Susannah committed as much as she could. She turned to Rachel. "The hospital also called Viki. You don't have to rush back. Kevin is coming over to stay with Téa."

Bill gathered Patches. He, Susannah and the children quickly thanked Nora and Bo for the wonderful time they had and for the presents and they left. Bill would have to drop Susannah off at the hospital because she came in his car.

"Now ain't that a shame. A fine woman like that interrupting a night with family to tend to a low down polecat like Todd Manning. This whole town would be better off if she just let him throw himself off a bridge or something."

"Asa, shut up!"

They were all shocked to hear Nora say that.

"Don't tell me you're defending Todd Manning?" Asa could not believe this. "It's bad enough he has Bo, Viki and my grandson Kevin bamboozled. I always thought you were too smart for that, Nora. Especially after everything Manning did to you."

"Asa! What has gotten into you tonight?" Renee was exasperated.

"I haven't forgotten any of the things Todd did to me!" Nora said angrily. "I just . . . look, he's sick! Like it or not my sister is his doctor. I'm trying to make the best of it. Now can we please change the subject!"

"How about a real drink? You got any bourbon?" Asa asked.

"Help yourself!" Nora snapped. "I'll be back in a few minutes." She headed for the bedroom.

"I'll get us both a drink," RJ volunteered and headed for the bar.

Bo and Rachel exchanged looks. They knew that Nora was at war with herself and fighting any sympathy she was feeling for Todd.

*****

Kevin sat in Téa's living room. It had been about twenty minutes since Viki left. He heard the shower turn on. Apparently Téa had woken up and decided to take a shower. He guessed that she assumed Rachel was still there. He would wait until she came out into the living room. He didn't want to startle her or intrude on her privacy. He hoped she would go right back to sleep when she was through. He knew she'd want to go to the hospital if she heard Todd was out. Kevin was startled out of his thoughts by the sound of his cell phone. It was Rachel. She wanted to find out if everything was all right. Kevin assured her that it was and she could stay with her family for as long as she wanted. He told her Viki would call him if he or Téa were needed at that hospital. Rachel told him she would like to stay for a while and that she'd be home later. She asked Kevin to leave the door to the room unlocked. She explained that she'd forgotten her key and if Téa were asleep, she didn't want to wake her by banging on the door. Kevin looked forward to spending some time with Rachel when she got home. He hoped she wouldn't be too tired.

*****

Sam had been walking the dark streets for the past hour and a half. Despite the chilly March night, he only wore his suit jacket. Pete's words played over and over again in Sam's mind, as did visions of Jimmy, Timmy, Adam and Todd. Sam's mind was bombarded with intrusive thoughts. What if they really are doing this to Todd? So many of them hated him. Now they're suddenly forgiving him and being kind to him. What if he and Pete have been right all along? The conversation Sam overheard between Rachel and Susannah preyed on his mind. What if Blair is right? What if Téa and Kevin are screwing around and in on this together? "NO! NO! NO!" Sam's voice echoed on the nearly empty street. The few people who were around stared at him and rushed off. He frightened them. He frightened himself; still, he continued to talk to himself out loud. "Téa loves Todd. I don't know about Kevin, but Téa loves Todd. She always has!"

*****

It had been more than forty minutes since Kevin heard the shower turn on. It was still going. He was getting a little concerned. Kevin knocked on the bedroom door and called to Téa. When there was no answer he walked into the bedroom and headed for the bathroom. "Téa! Téa, it's Kevin. Viki had to go to the hospital. Todd came back. He's all right. He was calling for her so she went to him." There was no answer. "Téa!" Kevin called loudly. He pounded on the bathroom door. There was no response. Kevin was getting nervous. "Téa! YOU REALLY NEED TO ANSWER ME!" Kevin shouted. He pounded on the door again. He knew it was loud enough to be heard, even with the shower running. "TÉA, IF YOU DON'T ANSWER ME, I'M GONNA HAVE TO BREAK THE DOOR DOWN! TÉA!" It took five tries of kicking the door and hitting it with his shoulder before Kevin heard the lock give and saw the door fly open. Téa was lying near the tub, wet, naked and unconscious.

"Oh my God!" Kevin cried out. He ran to Téa and felt for a pulse. Her pulse was strong and regular. He saw that she was breathing. Kevin's panic subsided, but only slightly. Kevin didn't stop to shut off the shower. He threw a towel over Téa. He took a washcloth and rinsed it in cold water from the sink. He patted Téa's face and neck with the cool washcloth and called her name several times. On his third try, Téa moaned slightly. "Téa. Téa, it's Kevin. Wake up. You passed out. Téa!" She moaned again, but didn't open her eyes. Kevin noticed she was shivering. He lifted her up. He began to carry her to the bed. Téa started to come to, slightly. She moaned again. In a dream like state between consciousness and unconsciousness, Téa felt herself being carried. She placed her arms around Kevin's neck and rested her head against his chest as he carried her. Kevin couldn't see one of Téa's slippers on the floor and nearly tripped on it. He kicked it across the room to avoid an accident.

Kevin didn't hear the knock on the door while he was tending to Téa. Sam had decided to go to Viki. He was terrified of the thoughts he was having. Sam still believed with certainty that Viki loved Todd with all her heart. He wanted to hear her say again that she thought leaving Todd in the hospital was the best thing for him. He wanted to hear her tell him that Todd knew he loved him. He wanted to hear her talk about the life they would all have together someday. Sam also wanted to see Téa. He wanted to look in her eyes again. He hoped that would erase any doubts he had about her. Sam was confused when no one answered the door. He wondered if he misunderstood Viki and she was not there after all. Sam knocked again. "Viki . . . Téa," he called out. Sam tried the door. To his surprise, it opened. "Téa . . . Viki," Sam called again. Sam heard a noise coming from the bedroom. He opened the door slowly. Kevin didn't see him. Sam stood silently and watched Kevin carrying a near naked and wet Téa. He saw Téa's arms around Kevin's neck. From where he stood, it appeared as if she were nuzzling Kevin's neck. She didn't seem to be resisting him. He saw Kevin lay her on the bed and sit next to her. The pictures of Téa and Kevin that Blair had shown him flashed though Sam's mind. He felt a shiver run up his spine. It was as if his blood had turned to ice water. Sam silently closed the bedroom door and left the hotel room.

TO BE CONTINUED