Frozen in Time....The Final Chapter....

Antonio awoke shivering.....torn from the heat of a beautiful place in the depths of his mind. He sat up, surrounded by a pool of shallow water.

He struggled to piece together what had happened before he had blacked out for the second time........and realized that he was never supposed to wake up that night......and by some strange mystery incomprehensible to him, Phillip hadn't killed him.

Was this.........a second chance?

He stood up, dizzy, but determined. It was some kind of enclosed tunnel......in the Power Plant? About ten feet above the duct, a grated hatch was letting in a small amount of light.

Just then, he felt a rush beneath him, and the water had climbed to his knees.

The realization crept up on him slowly that he'd been left here to die.

A memory of the sinking ship shook him...but the only thing turned upside-down was his dread-filled heart. He wasn’t sure which was worse…dying for the cause of Francesca’s resurrection, or becoming a victim of the Torres family’s run of bad luck in the water department!

He tried jumping up to the rusted, lopsided remains of a ladder rung under the hatch, but couldn't reach it.

Antonio: (panting) There's gotta be another way out........

He sloshed through the deepening water and stumbled headfirst into a pipeline that stretched across the tunnel. Seeing stars, he put his hand to his forehead, and blood seeped to his fingers from a stinging cut above his brow.

Antonio: Agh.....come on, Antonio! How many times can you end up unconscious in one night?

He surveyed his hopeless situation, and decided there was one tried-and-true method that just might work.

Antonio: Help!!!!!!! Somebody help me!!!!!!!!

The black van tore down the unlit streets of Sunset Beach, the tires screeching at every turn.

Phillip stared into the chamber, the image of Francesca meshed with the frightening reflection of his face.

Phillip: It all comes down to this, my precious……..

Tyus was lost in confusion. I had so many hopes for my research….my vision…. and all I’ve done is create a monster! I’ve got to get out of here….but I could lose everything! …

…....what am I saying? They just left a man for dead! Antonio’s just an innocent victim of the project. I hope the the chamber can last a few more hours without an auxiliary power source. Francesca may not be in imediate danger. I have to warn someone about Antonio before it’s too late!!...

A precarious pair roamed the darkness of the night.

Amy: Ugh. Blackouts freak me out.

Brad: Look on the bright side, Ames….this could be the only way you’ll ever get Sean in the dark again!

Amy: Shut UP, Brad! Gaad…..I hope no, like, riots break out or anything…...

Brad: Oooh, yeah! Maybe everybody’ll start looting expresso mugs from the Java Web! The horrors!

Amy: Oh, hey, Brad! I forgot to tell you! Your village called. Their idiot is missing!

Brad: Uh, Amy, as much as I dig the Beatles’ Abby Road album cover, can we please get out of the middle of the street?

Amy: Not until you apologize for being such a robo-snot!

Suddenly, the oncoming headlights of the speeding van blinded the unsuspecting teenage deer.

Tyus: Look out!!!!!

Amy: AaaaaaaaaaahH!!!!!!

With the violent swerving of the van, Tyus threw himself into the door and tumbled out into the road.

Tyus bolted away as Phillip blasted at him with a pistol.

Phillip: Son of a bitch!!

Amy and Brad wobbled to their feet.

Brad: H-h-h-oooly sh-

Amy: It…it’s Dr. Robinson!!

Brad: Uh, you mean the guy getting shot at who just pulled an "Enemy of the State" and bailed out of that van? What do we do??

Amy: Here’s a thought, Lifeguard! 9-1-1????

Phillip: Turn around and go after him, Manning! We've got to get that two-timing fool back!! If we don't, Francesca's fate is sealed!!

But Tyus had disappeared from their sight.

Gabi sat with Michael and Casey in the backseat of the police car, fidgeting, oblivious to the fact that Spence had been driving in circles. She was lost in a darkness that nothing could bring her out of.....except the sight of the sparkle in his eyes.... those forbidden eyes....the tempting color of root beer and candy.

Casey: You doing alright, Gabi?

Gabi: I'm trying....I'm trying so hard to be strong, Casey, but I'm all torn up inside. When we were at the Power Plant, I felt something.....I was so sure he was there……God, Casey…..he’s saved me in more ways than I can say…and now, I don’t know how to save him… and it's killing me......

Just then, Spence screeched to a halt, as a man tumbled over the hood with a thump.

Michael: What the hell?? It’s Tyus!!

Spence got out of the car and drew a gun on him slowly.

Spence: Freeze, Robinson!! We know all about your deranged little experiment! You’ve got some major explaining to do....why don't you start with your whereabouts since Antonio Torres was kidnapped?!!

Tyus: Please....you have to believe me....I know who did it because he kidnapped me!! It was Phillip Vargas!!

Their eyes widened in unison.

Tyus: He has the cryogenic chamber, he’s still out there!!! Now will you listen??

Spence: God almighty……this is the night of the living dead……

Gabi took a deep breath and asked the question that could ease her soul….or destroy it forever. Gabi: Tyus……where’s Antonio??……Please tell me he’s alive…….

Tyus: I don’t know for how long, Gabi. Vargas put him in a drainage duct beneath the power plant. It’s going to flood! He’s in grave danger!!

Gabi: (buries her face in her hands) No!! I was so close!! I knew it!! I left him……I was there and I left him to drown!!!

Michael: No, you didn’t, Gab, we’re goin’ after him!

Spence took Michael and Casey aside, as a terrified but determined Gabi began to slink away, unnoticed.

Spence: I'm enlisting you guys to lead this mission. How long do you think we have before the tunnel submerges?

Casey: Search and Rescue pulled a construction guy out of there once…I’d say we’ve got 20 minutes tops, or Antonio’s a goner…….

Suddenly, the red and blue flashing lights of the Crown Vic were blinding them.

Spence: What the he-

The engine revved, the sirens blared, and Gabi tore down the street.

Spence: I don't believe it!!! My squad car!! She stole my squad car!!!!

Michael: At least we know where she’s headed. I don’t think you could keep her away from Antonio with a hydraulic jack!

Just then, Ruiz pulled up.

Ruiz: Heard the whole thing on CB. Thought ya might need backup. I had a feeling she’d go AWOL on us! Feisty isn’t the word for Senorita Martinez. Hop in, "ladies." We’ve got a Torres bambino to rescue and a case to close, tonight……

Antonio desperately grappled the tunnel wall….and slid helplessly back into the water.

Antonio: I guess it was worth a try..........

His lips were quivering and blue. The water was so cold....and getting higher.....it splashed at his chest as he shivered uncontrolably.

Antonio: I'm really gonna die here.......alone......just like I've always been......

He felt himself sinking more.

Antonio: I'd do anything.....anything just to see her one more time......

"Antonio!!!!!!!"

Antonio: (raises an eyebrow) I must be going out of my mind in here......

"Antonio, where are you??!!"

Antonio: Hypothermia must cause paranoid dellusions........?

Gabi: Come on, Antonio!!!! Talk to me, tell me you're alright!!! (whispers) God…..please don't let me be too late.

Antonio: My God........I guess I am crazy!

He lunged for the wall and pounded on it with everything in him.

Antonio: Gabi??!!!!! Gabi!!!!!!!!!

Gabi's face lit up as she felt a rumbling beneath her and the echo of his voice.

Gabi: Oh, God....... hold on, Antonio!!!! I'm gonna get you out of there!

Antonio: Gabi, no, wait!!!! Be careful!!!

She followed his cries into a dark corridor and felt the floor collapsing beneath her, as the tunnel hatch flew open.

She fell into the duct, plunging into his arms.

He caught her.....she flew to him like a shooting star....as always.

They were almost in shock. Their arms laced around each other....they trembled......inches apart. But words, as they often are, were miles away.

Gabi didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She just held on to this moment....still unsure of whether or not he was real.

Antonio: A-are you alright?

Gabi: (tearful smile) I am now.........

She nestled her head against his, gazing into his eyes. Hot tears began to trickle down her cheeks.

Antonio: Hey.....don't cry. You're gonna get me started! (smiles, misting up)

Gabi: What am I gonna do with you, Antonio? (hugs him)

Antonio: Lose your sanity, maybe?

Gabi: Too late....I've been crazy since you disappeared on me…. (smiles)

He laughed, his eyes beaming.....in awe of this woman, as always. And Gabi, just as she'd been since the first day they met, was entranced by him.....she had never seen a smile so sweet, so true. Her fingers intertwined with his and she gasped at the sight of his wrists, bruised and bloody.

Gabi: My God!! You're all black and blue!! What did that monster do to you??

Antonio: Shh, shh….I'll be fine, Gabi…….

Gabi: (touches his forehead) And you're bleeding.....and so cold, Antonio!!

Antonio: Ahem....Gabi?

Gabi: I have to get you to the hospital, I--

She couldn't say anything more as he silenced her with a kiss. Her eyes widened in surprise....then closed slowly....an instinct of her trust in him. Part of him had no idea why he was doing this....after all, in his mind, the only woman whose love ran as deep as his was the Gabi in his dreams.

Or so he thought.

His lips were freezing, trembling, but she followed him into the warmest place in his heart he lead her. She became numb to everything....the water that surrounded them, the darkness......and loved him. They broke away together, still embraced by the spell.

Gabi: (shaking voice) What.........what was that for?

Antonio: (smiles) For saving my life.

Gabi: But....now we're both stuck in here....

Antonio: I know....but I've never felt safer than I do right now.......

Gabi: (smiles, teary eyed, and holds him close) Antonio....there was something I wanted to tell you tonight....under the pier....

Antonio: Oh no........OH, no......cue the interruption!

Suddenly, a bright light shined on them from above.

Casey: Ta-da!! The cavalry's here!!

Antonio: Hey, what took you so long?

Michael: Oh, nothin'. We were just doin' some paperwork down at the station to reduce Gabi's squad car theft to a misdemeanor. Ha! Just kiddin', Gabs.

Gabi: (narrows her eyes) Oh, very funny!

Antonio: (grins) You did what?

Gabi: Nevermind.

Casey: You had us all worried sick, Antonio. But don't worry. You're buyin' the beer when all this is over! Oh, sorry! Club soda! Club soda!

Antonio: No, really, beer sounds pretty good right about now!

Michael: Hang tight, you two. We're gonna string this fire hose down and pull you outta there. Piece o'cake.

Antonio and Gabi looked at each other and sighed adoringly. But just then.....they froze....and stared down the dark corridor of the tunnel.

Gabi: (whispers) Antonio......do you hear that?

A rushing sound......a murmur that seemed to get closer and closer.....the water around them began to churn violently.......

Casey: Guys! Guys? What's the matter??

Antonio: Gabi......hold on to me...as tight as you can, and don't let g--

He was cut short by the rapids that gushed in and buried them. The only sound was the muffled roar of bubbles.

Casey: No, no, no!! This isn't happening, man!!!

Michael: Gabi!!!!! Antonio!!?!! Case, I don't see them!

Casey: The current's gonna pin them against the end of the shaft!!! Mike, hold my legs and lower me down, we've gotta be ready to grab them if they come up!! Oh God......they have to! Come on, guys!!! Where are you???!!!

Suddenly, they heard a shrill squeak and realized it was Gabi, gasping as she reappeared beneath them. Antonio was clutching her, trying desperately to lift her up and swim against the raging deluge.

Antonio: I…..I got her……take her….get her out of here!!!

Gabi: No!!! Not without you!!! Take him first!! Dammit, take him first!!!

Antonio: Leave me, go!!!!

Casey: Come on, Gab, I gottcha!!!

She was practically trying to squirm out of Casey's broad arms.

Gabi: Antonio!!!!

As she ascended, she lost her deathly grip on Antonio's arm, and their hands slid apart.

Gabi: No!!!!

She watched in horror as he tried to fight the waves that threatened to bury him as Michael and Casey pulled her to safety.

Casey: Antonio!!! We're gonna throw the fire hose down to you and pull you up!! Tie it around you and don't let go, OK?

Antonio wrapped it around him and held on for dear life, disappearing every now an then beneath the flood.

Michael: Come on, Case!!!! Stay here, Gab. We're gonna wind up the hose and get him the hell out of there!

They ran to the source of the hose that Gabi was clutching now…..her only link to him as he fought to stay within her view.

Gabi: Antonio!!! Listen to me…..I didn't come this far to lose you now…….hold on with everything you can! I promised Ricardo I'd get you back....now you have to promise me not to let go.....I'm not gonna leave you…….ever, Antonio!!!

Phillip stormed past the unconscious bodies of Spence and Ruiz, who had stood guard at the entrance of the Power Plant. He'd fallen into the deepest depths of madness. The whole town was inundated with the screech of sirens.....his plan was over....all over....and someone, anyone... had to pay.........

As Michael and Casey started to reel in the hose, they heard the sound of a gun cocking.

Phillip: Ah, ah, ahh……I wouldn't do that if I were you…...

He blasted them with the tranquilizer rifle.

Antonio: Gabi....(sinking, shivering) I'll always.......love y--

In an instant, he was pulled beneath the dark water, amidst her screams.…..

Gabi: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Casey, Michael , HELP ME!!!!!! The current's dragging him under!!!!! Pull him up, pull him UP!!!!!!!!!!

Gabi was blinded by hysterical tears.....overwhelmed by terror at the thought of the shallow breath he'd managed before he'd slipped underwater. She wanted to run to where her unanswered cries to Casey and Michael echoed, but she couldn't rip her eyes away from the place in the water where Antonio had vanished. She struggled to pull him up by the wobbling lifeline.

Gabi: (pulling) Ugh!! Come on, Gabi, you can do this.......

She pulled with all the strength in her tiny frame.......and just then, his listless body broke the surface.

He rose up, dangling dangerously by the makeshift knot that tied him, and with every fierce tug, she got him closer to the hatch opening.

Gabi: Come on.....just a little......closer.......come on!!!!

The hose began to untwist around him......but just as it came undone, she hoisted him up with both hands by the shirt and set him down with a thud, collapsing on top of him. The wind knocked into him, and water escaped his mouth as he coughed forcefully, gasping, his warm eyes struggling to focus on the blurry figure that clung to him. She brushed his dark hair with her fingers, lost in the thought that no matter how close he ever came to dying, the spark in his eyes as they met met hers never faded.

Antonio: Gabi.......

Gabi: It's alright....sh...sh.....just breathe....I've got you...........

Antonio: (gasping) Is this.....is this an angel before me?

Gabi: I could say the same thing about you.

Antonio: (panting) Hey..........could you do me a favor?

Gabi: Anything........

Antonio: Could you.....tell me....what you wanted to tell me under the pier.....before something else happens? You know.... like a meteor hitting the earth....or somethin'?

Gabi: (smiles) You're impossible, you know that?

Antonio: (sighs) I only know the suspense is killing me......

The words danced in her heart, and she knew that this was the right moment to break the invisible wall between them forever. They sat up and faced each other, barely feeling cold and drenched anymore.

Gabi: Antonio.....(takes his hand) tonight, I stopped asking God for forgiveness.........

...........and I asked him for you.

Tears tugged at his eyes as he took in her words.

Antonio: Me?

Gabi: (whispers)......I love you.........I love you, Antonio........

The beautiful moment crashed as a foreboding figure burst in, aiming a pistol at them. They snapped back, grasping each other tightly.

Antonio: You......

Phillip: Lordy, lordy.....what a touching reunion......what a shame the Baywatch clods can't witness it.....

They had almost forgotten about Casey and Michael.

Antonio: Oh no.....what did you do to them??!

Phillip: Oh, don't worry.....they're just sedated. I'm saving my last 9 millimeter bullets for you two. It seems Francesca's frozen state is doomed....so since I'm going to be hauled away, I might as well kill somebody and make it worthwhile, eh?

......but since I just can't seem to kill you, Priest.....I think I'll let you watch while I put the woman you love out of her misery....so you can live with that image burned in your pathetic head for the rest of your life!!!!

He lunged for her with the pistol, and Antonio dodged him with her in his arms, and Phillip fell into the open hatch, dangling from the edge with white knuckles.

Gabi clung to Antonio as they looked down at the madman, who stared at them with disdainful eyes.

Phillip: You should be so proud of yourself, Father....a priest who would let a man die.......

Antonio: You're only half right about me, Phillip........

I'm not a priest anymore.

.....(extends his hand) C'mon, take it!

Gabi cringed as Phillip reached for Antonio's outstetched hand. She didn't have to be a psychic to tell what was going to happen......

Gabi: No, Antonio!!!!

Phillip yanked his trusting rescuer's hand and Antonio lost his balance and began to fall into the opening. Gabi threw her arms around his swaying body, and Phillip plunged into the flooded tunnel, screaming.

A few seconds passed as they absorbed what had happened...and they fell into each other's arms with a sigh.

Gabi: My God......I knew he was gonna do that.

Antonio: I should really start paying more attention to those TV movies of the week.

Gabi: I'm starting to think that this'll be the next one.

Antonio: Who gets to play us? Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling?

Gabi: Hey, I'm all for it......as long as they don't forget the best part in the script.....

Antonio: Which is?

Gabi: ......This.

She held him tightly, their hearts beating fiercely against each others'. She looked into his eyes and moved her lips to his slowly......her damp hair grazing his face as they kissed........and time stood still.

Gabi: That was for saving my life.

Antonio: (Raises an eyebrow) But you just saved mine! Twice, actually, counting that last episode......

Gabi: You saved me, Antonio.......your love saved me tonight.

Antonio: What did I get myself into?

Gabi: The best mistake of your life. (kisses his forehead) I love you.......

Antonio: I love you, Gabi......

Gabi:.....and you always will, no matter what?

Antonio: Nah....now that I think of it, that sounded so cliched......how about, "until the sun refuses to shine?"

Gabi: Nah.....

Antonio: "Until leisure suits come back in style?"

Gabi: I think you can do better then that......

Antonio: How about, "until Mama accepts our rebellious depravity?"

Gabi: Now that sounds like something permanent.

They held each other....shivering at how many brushes with death it had taken to reach this moment.....the moment they had wanted for so long.....so long.........

The Epilogue

Sunset Beach Sentinel

Cold Front

Top Secret Experiment Leads to Intrigue, Insanity

by Vanessa Hart, staff writer

What seemed to be a night like any other in Sunset Beach turned into a dangerous web of mayhem for several residents, as a disgruntled Neptune survivor, hell bent on returning the late Francesca Vargas to life, went on a spree of kidnapping and desctruction.

It seems the supposed murder of Francesca Vargas months ago was only the "tip of the iceberg." Enlosed in a high- tech cryogenic chamber to one day be revived, Francesca, along with Dr. Tyus Robinson's secret creation, mysteriously vanished....as did Robinson himself...and soon other victims would follow.

The events that ensued produced an onslaught of local heroes.

The first is Detective Ricardo Torres, nominated for his second Congressional honors, who, even confined to the hospital after a stroke, was able to crack yet another case. The detective uncovered a horrifying plot to transplant the heart of an unwilling live donor into Franceca Vargas....his own brother, Antonio Torres. Detective Torres's deft thinking and action saved the day once again, and according to the Sentinel's own Bette Katzenkazrahi, he is, quote, "Molto gorgeous, too."

Local lifeguards Michael Bourne and Casey Mitchum, also noted for their courageous efforts, aided the PD in the search and eventual rescue of the missing Torres. And, according to Ms. Katzenkazrahi, these brave heroes are "Molto gorgeous, too."

Officers Oscar Ruiz and "Spence" Spencer were nominated by Detective Torres for a promotion to lieutenantship. Verbatim commentary on behalf of Katzenkazrahi.

As for Dr. Robinson, also a contributor to Antonio Torres's rescue, his creation has been transported back to his lab, where Francesca remains frozen. But will the world ever be ready for her return?

Phillip Vargas, the alleged perpetrator, fell to his death, and is once again presumed to be, in fact, dead. His accomplice, Dr. Charles Manning, is slated to serve time, despite his laments that all evidence of his misdeeds was "planted there" by police. Manning will be represented by Johnny Cochran.

But at the heart of all this madness is an unusual love story, of the kidnapped priest, and the woman who fought to save his life.

"Yes......I love him." stated Gabriella Martinez of the clergyman. "And I'm not ashamed of that."

Antonio Torres, the equally unashamed preacher, has resigned from his parish. "I haven't lost my faith in God," commented Torres, "I have more faith in him than ever. My frailty is what saved me, and I've accepted the person I really am. I love her....and it's not a burden." While the parishoners are still shocked by this spontaneous defrocking, there's no love lost for the wayward priest, according to one church goer: "The woman Father Antonio fell in love with is the luckiest person in the world."

Ricardo Torres, who has made tremendous progress in his recovery, and who is incidentally also the former fiance of Martinez, summed it up as so: "They love each other, and I'm thankful for that....it's what brought them back to us. I'm thankful I didn't lose them both...."

In this case, love saved everyone involved....from the coldest of fates.