Chapter 1:
A confused Sheridan Crane paced back and forth across the soft carpet of the Crane living room. It was nearly a month after her and Luis' trip to New Mexico and for some reason, whenever she thought of Luis, she became confused, anxious. During the last few weeks, her and Luis had grown closer, they were maybe even friends. Sure they weren't telling each other personal secrets, but at least the fighting had stopped. Sheridan glanced over at the phone and twisted her lip a little.
"Should I?" Sheridan asked, talking out loud to herself, "No, no I can't." She decided.
"What are you doing here?" Julian Crane grumbled, walking down the stairs in a bath robe. "And why are you talking to yourself? I'm telling you Sheridan dear, if your not careful, you'll soon find your self in a loony bin.
"Well if it isn't my cheerful brother Julian." Sheridan smirked, " And as far as being here, I won't much longer. I'm heading over to the Youth Center. I only have a month left you know." Sheridan's voice trailed off.
"Oh, so you mean you won't be working with Officer Low Life-Fitzgerald any more?" Julian asked innocently, "You should be happy about that, shouldn't you?"
"First of all, his name is
Lopez-Fitzgerald, and secondly I'm not happy." Sheridan stated. She bit her lip and waited for Julian to put his two cents in. She didn't have to wait long.
"Ha!" Julian gloated, "don't tell me you actually have a thing for Luis- the house keeper's son."
"No, I don't have a thing for him! We, we, we aren't even friends!" Yelled Sheridan. She then grabbed her purse and stormed out of the mansion.
"I can't believe him! The nerve of him! I can't believe he actually thought I had a thing for Luis!" Sheridan rambled on and on about Julian and then slid into her car, slamming the door shut. Although Sheridan claimed she didn't have feelings for Luis, she couldn't stop thinking about him. On her way to the Youth Center, Sheridan kept on having flash backs of all the time her and Luis had spent together. All the good times. First she thought of the tango, and how safe she felt in Luis' strong arms. Then she remembered the time she was locked in the magicians box and Luis had rescued her. He was so concerned about her, and was very gentle and caring. She went on and remembered the time Luis saved her again, this time from a mugger. She thought of how sexy Luis was, especially in the buff! But the time she remembered the most was her and Luis' trip to New Mexico. Things between Luis and herself had changed during that period. They both had a chance to see a different side of each other, a side they didn't even know existed. Sheridan was in denial about Luis, but then it finally hit her, she was in love with Luis!
***At the Youth Center***
Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald looked up from his morning paper, and saw Hank Bennett standing before him. Hank had the silliest little grin on his face.
"Yes?" asked Luis with a confused look.
"Did I ever tell you what a good friend you are Luis?" Hank asked, his smile growing wider. Luis burst out laughing.
"I think you've read one too many Hallmark cards, buddy."
"Can't a guy be in a good mood every once in a while?" asked Hank.
"Ya, sure," Luis replied, "I guess, so tell me my jolly friend, what has you in such a good mood?"
"That's easy! Sheridan, that's what has me in such a good mood! Sheridan!" Hank repeated.
"What?" Luis' heart skipped a beat. He felt as if had had swallowed a block of led. Luis took a sip of coffee to hide his surprised expression.
"That's right, Sheridan has me in such a good mood! I think I'm in love," Hank sighed, "And look at this." Hank pulled a black velvet jewellary box out of his jeans pocket. He opened it up and showed Luis what was inside. Luis was so shocked at what he saw, that he shot all the coffee out of his mouth.
"Jeez, Luis! You probably just made it all sticky!" Luis couldn't believe what the small box contained. Inside was a beautiful gold ring that was surrounded with green stones. Luis' heart stopped.
"Hank, are you out of your mind?!? You can't ask Sheridan to marry
you!!
To Be Continued........
Chapter 2:
"Marry me? Huh, Luis what are talking about? This is for Sheridan's birthday." Said Hank. Luis hadn't forgotten about Sheridan's birthday, in fact he had already bought her a gift.
"Sheridan's birthday isn't for another two weeks." Luis replied, "How come your going to give it to her so early?"
"Well that my friend is the bad news. I'm going away for a few weeks to visit some old friends."
"Oh, I see, your hittin' the road again huh? Don't tell me the old Hank is resurfacing." Luis said grimly. Hank just mumbled,
"Something like that."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Luis questioned, turning into cop mode once again.
"Wait and see. Just wait and see......"
Two Weeks later~Sheridan's Birthday***
Sheridan stood in front of the Youth Center, talking to herself.
"Why on earth would Luis want me to come and work for him at this hour? Its so late, it doesn't even look like anyone's in there. All the lights are off." Sheridan thought to herself, well so much for this birthday.
Sheridan opened the door and was greeted with blackness.
"Just as I thought. All the lights are off, and no one is in here." She went to turn on the lights when she suddenly fumbled backwards over a basketball.
"Ouch!" Sheridan cried. She was expecting to fall on the hard gym floor, but instead someone caught her. She looked up and found herself staring into the most handsome brown eyes ever. She knew those eyes anywhere, they were Luis'. Sheridan was speechless, she was still trying to figure out what was going on.
"Not only do you need some driving lessons, you could also use a few walking lessons." Luis smirked, "Oh by the way, Happy Birthday!" Luis stepped back and Sheridan was astonished with what she saw. Glimmering in the dark was a candlelight dinner- for two. It truly was a beautiful sight.
"Oh Luis," Sheridan somehow found her voice, "Its beautiful!" You did all this for me?"
"No I did it for Julian, of course I did it for you!"
"Thank you! This is the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me." Sheridan's eyes started to whell up. Luis took her hand, ad led her to her chair. Just like the gentleman he is, he pulled out the chair for her and pushed it back in when she was seated. After Luis took his own seat he went to admire Sheridan, and saw she was crying.
"What's wrong?" Luis asked with a caring, concerned look on his face.
"There's something I need to tell you, something you don't know." Sheridan now had streams of tears rolling down her face, and a sad, lonely look.
To Be Continued..........
Chapter 3:
"What is it Sheridan?" Luis asked, "You know you can tell me anything." Sheridan gulped back her tears and replied,
"Its nothing Luis, really never mind." Luis walked over to Sheridan, took her hand and made her stand up. Then without saying anything, he hugged her. They stood there for the longest time. Luis just held Sheridan while she cried. Finally Sheridan begain to talk.
"It's stupid really, but I loved him and I thought he loved me." Sheridan yelped.
"Shhh, its okay. Are you talking about that Jean-Luc guy?"
"Yes." Sheridan sobbed, "Its just that on my last birthday I was with him. And my last birthday is when he proposed to me." Luis wiped the tears from Sheridan's eyes.
"I'm sorry," Luis said, "I didn't know. Do you want to talk about it?" He gently grabbed Sheridan's hand. "We can go somewhere else if you want."
"No, I'm fine, forget I mentioned it. You planned this nice dinner for me and I plan to enjoy it, so lets eat!"
"Okay, whatever you say, but before we eat I want you to open this." Luis reached under his chair and handed Sheridan a skinny rectangular box. Sheridan smiled, her tears were almost faded.
"You didn't have to get me anything, Luis."
"I know," Luis replied, "But I wanted to. As soon as I saw it, it reminded me of you." Sheridan gracefully ripped the wrapping paper off. She started to open the box, but couldn't.
"I think its stuck."
"Here let me see." Luis reached out to help Sheridan, there hands touched, and they immedietly looked up at one another. It was like they were talking a special language with their eyes. Luis shook his head and came back to earth. He managed to open the box.
"There." He whispered. Sheridan looked at the box's contents and gasped.
"Oh Luis! Its gorgeous! I love.....thank you so much! I've never seen one like it before." Sheridan carefully took out a silver heart locket. It had light purple stones surroundng the edges.
"I hope you like it. Sorry its not gold, but I couldn't afford it." Luis looked down. He was blushing from embarrasement and shame.
"Luis, I love it just the way it is. I always have preferred silver over gold." Luis smiled to himself, thinking about the gold ring Hank had bought Sheridan. He looked down at her hands, and didn't see the ring.
"Uh, where's the ring Hank gave you?" Luis asked with curiosity. Sheridan hestitated a bit before answering.
"Oh, its at my cottage, it didn't fit." Luis couldn't tell if Sheridan was lying or not. Was she as serious about her and Hank's relationship as Hank was? As selfish as it was, he hoped not.
"Well, aren't you going to open it?" Luis hinted. Sheridan opened up the locket and a smile brightened her face.
"That is so thoughtful, Luis." Sheridan smiled, "You look so cute in your Police hat!"
"Thanks," Luis shyly replied. "I thought since I'm a cop and my picture is in your heart-shaped locket that means I can always protect your heart, or I'll always be in your heart. Get it?"
"Ya I get it." A smile was just beaming across Sheridan's face now.
"And I also put my picture in there because I hpe that we are friends now. Whatta ya say? Friends?
"I'm sure I can manage that!" Sheridan said. Luis and Sheridan just sat there staring and smiling at eachother until Sheridan broke the silence, and asked Luis a question. "Well Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald, will you do me the honours of putting my locket on me?"
"Of course!" Luis stood up, took the locket, and put it around Sheridan's neck. His hands kept brushing against her neck and he took note of how soft and beautiful her skin was. It was taking all his might not to kiss her. After he was done doing the locket up, a familar tune on the radio came on. It was tango music. Sheridan glanced at Luis, and they both started laughing, remembering the time they had danced the tango together.
"Should we?" Luis asked, he was hoping so bad that Sheridan would say yes. "You know, for old times sakes." he added.
"We shall, actually, I dare you!" Sheridan taunted and they both started laughing again, but then they both turned serious.
To Be Continued...............
Chapter 4:
Luis took Sheridan's hand, and she moved her free hand to his shoulder. Electricity was what they were both feeling. They were so close, their bodies tightly pressed together. Luis was staring into Sheridan's sparkling blue eyes, and she was returning the stare. Their eyes were locked into each others. Luis slowly moved his hand down to Sheridan's waist. They repeated the whole tango, just like the time before, except this time things were much more intense and steamy.
After the tango music had finished, they still stood there wrapped in each other's embrace. The next song came on. It was "From This Moment On" By Shania Twain and Bryan White. without saying anything, Sheridan moved even closer to Luis, and placed her head softly on his shoulder. Luis also moved in closer and gripped Sheridan's waist tighter. She felt very safe and secure in his gentle but muscular arms. Sheridan closed her eyes and said,
"Luis?"
"Yes?" Luis answered, a little above a whisper.
"Thank you. I haven't been this happy for as long as I can rememeber." Luis caressed Sheridan's forehead with a soft kiss.
"Your welcome." Luis said, "I'll always be here for you Sheridan." After the song had ended, Sheridan moved her head from Luis' shoulder and looked into his handsome, caring eyes. Luis suspected a bit aof sadness in Sheridan's eyes. He hated to see her upset, sad, or hurt. He wished he could just hold her in his arms forever and make her all better.
"Are you sure everything's alright?" Luis moved his hand and tapped Sheridan on the chin. She smiled and said,
"Just hold me." Luis took Sheridan's hand and they went into a small room with a couch. Luis laid down, and Sheridan joined him, She laid her head on his chest, and he wrapped his strong, loving arms around her.
"Goodnight Luis." Sheridan whispered.
"Goodnight Sheridan, sweet dreams."
They laid there silently all night until something happened, something awful.
To Be Continued...............
Chapter 5:
Luis awoke with a feeling of panic. Something wasn't right. Something was terribly wrong. Luis looked around and realized he wasn't alone. He had forgotten that he and Sheridan had fell asleep, gripped in each other's embrace. He still had a bad feeling about something though. He moved his head to the left and saw Sheridan's head resting on his chest. She is so beautiful he thought, she's just like an angel, she's so precious. The sight of her in his arms made him calm down. He moved closer to her and kissed her forehead. A chill went down his spine. Sheridan was freezing cold. He propped himself up and moved Sheridan in a way so he could see a clear vision of her face. he brushed his hand against her cheek. She still felt freezing cold. Luis let out a gasp of fear,
"Oh my God! Sheridan, Sheridan, wake up!" As strong Luis was, he was starting to cry. "SHERIDAN!" he screamed, "Okay, okay, calm down Luis, call someone, get help." Luis rushed to the phone and dialed 911.
"Hello 911, what's your emergency?" The operator answered, "Hello?"
"Hi, I need your help RIGHT now! Luis was crying so hard he could hardly talk. I have an unconcious adult female here. She's not breathing, her lips are all blue!" Luis gave the ambulance all the information, and then rushed to Sheridan's side. He started to do CPR on her. "Oh Sheridan, please don't leave me!" I need you, I need you in my life." He continued to do CPR on her. He was so scared, he didn't want to lose her. He hadn't even told her how he felt about her yet. "Sheridan, can you hear me? Sheridan wake up!" After he gave her one last breath she finally started coughing. "Oh thank God!" Luis was so relieved she was okay. He was still crying, but his tears had turned from sad to happy. Luis picked up Sheridan, brought her into his lap, and started rocking her. Sheridan was still coughing, she held onto Luis tightly, afraid to let go. "Shhh......you're safe with me."
"What happened?" Choked Sheridan.
"I don't know." Luis eyes started to well up again, thinking about what would have happened if he had lost Sheridan. "You just stopped breathing. I was so scared I'd lose you."
"You saved my life again?" Sheridan asked in amazement. "You must be my guardian angel." Luis stared deeply into her eyes and after a moment he said,
"I love you Sheridan."
To Be Continued................
Chapter 6:
The ambulance arrived within minutes, but those few minutes were the most terrifying, and anxious minutes of Luis' life. Sheridan on the other hand, felt very safe and calm in Luis' arms. For some reason she knew everything would work out okay.
At the hospital, Luis called Ethan, Gwen, and Pilar.
"Hi Ethan?" Luis asked.
"Hello, may I ask who's speaking?" Ethan replied confused.
"Oh sorry, its Luis."
"Luis? What's wrong? Why are you calling me? What crime did my family commit this time?" Ethan snapped.
"Your family didn't do anything wrong," Luis snarled back sarcastically, "At least not anything I can prove!"
"Oh would you-"
"Listen Ethan, there's been an accident involving your aunt."
"Sheridan? Oh my god, what kind of accident? Is she alright?" Ethan fired.
"Yes, settle down. She's alright but I think you should get down here, immediately."
"Okay I'll be down there right away. Oh, and thanks Luis."
Ya, know problem, I thought Sheridan might feel better if she was around people who love her." Luis' eyes started to well up once again and he was staring to choke on his words.
"Listen Luis, could you please call Gwen and tell her about this?" Ethan pleaded.
"Of course, I'll do anything to make Sheridan better."
After Luis called Gwen he called his mother and told her what had happened. Pilar's worried and shocked voice made Luis more frightened and nervous." He didn't understand how he could care about Sheridan so much. Especially after he vowed he wanted nothing to do with the Cranes'. He was so confused but mostly he was so confused but mostly he was guilty and worried.
"How could I have let this happen to her?! How?!" He yelled. He was standind outside of Sheridan's hospital room and he suddenly heard someone call for him.
"Luis." Someone whispered. Luis looked around and saw Sheridan smiling at him weakly. He walked up to her and took a seat right next to her bed. He looked into her gorgeous blue eyes. Aside from the horrific ordeal Sheridan had been through her eyes were so full of light and hope. They were like magic, Luis didn't want to take his eyes off of hers. He gently placed her hand in his hand and smiled at her. He
just wanted to melt. Even in a hospital bed, she still looked so damn beautiful.
"Luis," Sheridan started, above a whisper, "there's something I need to tell you."
"Shhh." Luis whispered, "you need to keep up your strength."
"No....I need to tell you something very important!" She paused and took a breath. "Luis, I.....I.....lo-"
"Sheridan, thank god!" Ethan interrupted and walked over to her and Luis. "What happened?" Ethan asked. Sheridan looked frustrated.
Actually," Luis said, "we don't know what happened."
"You don't know? But-" Luis rubbed his temples and looked down.
"It was the weirdest thing." Luis debated, "I woke up and had the feeling something was wrong. I looked down at Sheridan and-"
"Woke up?! Looked down at my aunt?! What the hell were you two doing?" Before Luis could answer Ethan's questions, Eve Russell walked in and was looking down at a medical folder.
"Luis, could I please have a word with you outside?" Eve glanced up at Luis.
"Ya, sure." Luis' face looked flushed, he hoped nothing was wrong with Sheridan.
Back inside the hospital room, Ethan was glaring at Sheridan.
"Well?" Ethan spat out, frustrated and angry that no one would answer his questions.
"Well what?" Sheridan said innocently.
"Are you going to tell me what went on between you and Luis or am I going to have to find out for myself?" Ethan just stood there staring at Sheridan, waiting for an explanation.
"Nothing went on between me and Luis, Ethan! That's crazy!" Sheridan laghed. "the only reason Luis and I were together in the first place was because its my birthday."
"Oh." Ethan looked down with that dumb look on his face. "Well.....I still don't understand why you and Luis were sleeping together, and how did this happen? How did you end up unconscious?" Ethan just wasn't going to give up without a reasonable explanation.
"Uhhh," Sheridan groaned, rubbed her forehead. "Look Ethan, I'm flattered that you're concerned about me but trust me, I'm fine!" Sheridan said annoyed, "Now
if you don't mind, I'm feeling a little worn out and wouldn't mind getting some rest."
"But-" Ethan interrupted.
"Listen, I'll tell you the rest later, but trust me there's not a lot to tell." Sheridan laid her head back and closed her eyes.
"Oh nothing to tell? Well tell me this Sheridan, are you in love with Luis?"
"Okay Eve, lay it on me. Whats wrong with Sheridan?" Luis was so worried, and he couldn't stand waiting for anymore answers.
"Well?" Luis demanded.
Calm down Luis. I don't think you're going to like what I have to tell you, I don't think you're going to like it at all."
To Be Continued...
Chapter 7:
Luis grabbed Eve's arm.
"What do you mean I'm not going to like what your going to tell me?" Eve
looked down at the floor and opened her mouth to start talking but Luis
cut her off.
"Is Sheridan going to be okay?" He looked at Eve with those big brown
concerned eyes."Yes Luis, you don't have to worry, Sheridan should be fine."
"Should be?" Luis challenged.
"We just have to run a few more tests so we can become more familiar
with her case." Eve said calmly, in that doctor tone of voice.
"Well?" Luis said confused.
Whats the big deal then? Why did you say I wasn't going to like the news
you were going to tell me?" Luis smiled, he was beginning to settle downa bit.
"You didn't let me finish Luis." Eve kept her eyes on Luis, watching his
reactions."Tell me, what did you and Sheridan have for dinner?"
"Dinner?" Luis smiled again, thinking Eve was playing some sort of joke.
"What does dinner have anything to do with this?"
"Did you by any chance have any rare latin food? A grain of some sort?"
Eve questioned, totally serious. Luis looked stunned, and Eve knew she
was right. She could tell by the clueless look on Luis' face.
"Ya....how did you know? Did Sheridan tell you? Luis was lost, he didn't
understand why Eve was pushing him for answers about his and Sheridan'sdinner.
"No, Sheridan didn-""Then how did you know?" Luis was starting to worry again.
"According to the few tests we did, it seems that Sheridan had an
allergic reaction to something she ate. Those tests also told us that
she had some kind of grain-a grain we couldn't identify. That is how we
figured it was a rare kind of grain."Luis placed his hands over his face.
"How could I let this happen? I could have killed her!" Luis argued,
torturing himself with useless questions and comments.
"Listen Luis, you musn't beat yourself up over this. When you go back in
that room, you have to put on a calm cover or else you'll worry
Sheridan." Eve instructed.
"Ya......" Luis' mind wondered off for a few seconds, "Can I go back in
and see her now?" Luis asked impatiently.
"Yes, but only one visitor at a time. You will have to tell Ethan his
time is up."
"Well Sheridan? Tell me, are you in love with Luis?" Ethan pressured
Sheridan for an answer.
Sheridan herself didn't quite know the answer to that question, but the
more she thought about Ethan's question the more it scared her. "Why is
he doing this to me?" She thought silently, "He's backing me into a
corner. I guess I'll just have to tell Ethan the truth." She thought,
"Whatever it is........"
"Ethan, I guess you're ri-" Sheridan started, but Luis interrupted her.
"Ethan, I'm sorry but Dr. Russell said your time is up, you can visit
with Sheridan again in about an hour." Ethan rose off the chair and
approached Luis.
"Ya, okay, no problem." He patted Luis on the shoulder and whispered,
"Take good care of her. She's my favorite aunt." He winked at Luis as if
they were sharing a secret. Luis just looked confused and wondered if
Sheridan was the only normal one in the Crane family. After Ethan had
left, Luis walked over to Sheridan and took a seat next to her bed.
"Hey you. How are you doing?" Luis asked as he aimed that killer smile
at Sheridan. Both their eyes lit up instantly.
"Fine thanks to you." Sheridan acknowledged. She reached around her neck
and grasped the locket Luis had given her, in her hand. She looked back
up at him and they exchanged warm smiles.
"Luis, I can't thank you enough for this."
She nodded toward the glimmering necklace. "Its so beautiful, I'll
always wear it. You'll always be in my heart she teased." Luis grasped
Sheridan's hand in his and brought it up to his chest. He then placed it
over his heart and held it there. She could feel his heart pounding
beneath her hand, the beat of it made her own heart race.
"And you'll always be in mine." He responded.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 8:
Sheridan glanced up at Luis shyly. He rubbed her hand and then looked deep into her eyes. Sheridan smiled at Luis with ease. She had never felt this type of calmness before. She felt like all her worries were gone.
Luis felt the the same way except for the sinking guilt he felt about being responsible for putting Sheridan in the hospital in the first place. While thinking of that, Luis felt he wasn't being fair by not telling Sheridan the truth why she was in the condition she was in. "Look, there's something I need to tell you, something I need to get off my conscience." Luis removed Sheridan's hand from his chest. She stopped smiling and looked taken aback. She didn't understand the change in Luis' sensitive, carefree mood.
"What is it Luis?" Sheridan asked puzzled. "I'm really sorry Sheridan." Luis scratched the back of his head.
"This--this is all my fault, and I'm so sorry." Sheridan sat up, looking more alert. "What do you mean this was your fault? you saved my life Luis!" Sheridan exclaimed anxiously. "No, well yes, but..." he stopped and gripped Sheridan's hand. "What is it Luis? You can tell me." Sheridan was pleading for Luis' trust.
Luis was becoming more and more guilty after every second passed. He couldn't stand it any more, he just had to tell her the truth. "Sheridan, what I'm trying to say is that I did this to you. It's because of me you're here in the hospital right now." "I still don't understand." Sheridan said innocently. "Now listen," Luis continued, "while we were having dinner, you ate everything I made right?" He questioned. "Yes, that's right, but I still don't see--"
"Okay, the latin food I prepared gave you an allergic reaction, and when we were sleeping it started to take affect. That's why you stopped breathing." Luis pasted his gorgeous eyes on the floor, scared Sheridan would be angry with him. He looked back up and saw Sheridan just staring at him with a blank stare.
~*New York City*~
Hank Bennett stood in a dark ally shivering. "Where the hell is that bastard?!" Hank hollered. He kicked a nearby garbage can and the lid crashed to the ground.
"Would you shut up?!" A scruffy man in black hissed. "You tryin' to get your ass caught?" He threw a cigarette butt on the dirty cement and stomped on it angerly. A cat screeched in the distance, and Hank shivered nervously. "Oh. I didn't see you coming." Hank blurted. "What took you so damn long?" He said, feeling tougher. "That ain't none of your sorry, greasy butt's business!" The man threatened. "Do you got the friggin dough or not?"
"Ya, I got it. It wasn't easy either!" Hank concluded.
"I don't care if it was or wasn't! I didn't call you here for small talk, you hear?" The man remarked with a slimy smirk. He shifted impatiently. "What are you waiting for? Hand it over!" "Fine, fine, here it is!" Hank pulled out a thick white envelope marked "Crane Industries." The man attempted to grab the envelope, but Hank quickly pulled it back. "Before I give this to you, you have to promise to leave me alone once and for all--for real this time! Is that clear?" Hank demanded. "Crystal." The man mocked. "I'll leave you alone, we have a deal." The man reached out his hand, which was covered with an expensive looking, black leather glove, and shook Hank's hand tightly. "We have a deal." Was Hank's response.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 9:
Luis stared deep into Sheridan's ocean blue eyes. She stayed silent, giving him a blank stare.
"Well?" Luis said nervously, "Are you mad at me?" Sheridan placed her hand on Luis' shoulder.
"Luis, of course I'm not angry with you! This wasn't your fault at all." She moved her hand down his arm until she reached his hand. "You didn't know I was allergic to the supper you made. I didn't even know!" She laughed. Luis breathed a sigh of relief.
"Whew!" He smiled, rubbing his neck.
Is your neck bothering you?" Sheridan asked.
"Ya, just a bit," Luis cleared his throat, "I guess all the stress and worrying must have made it a little tense. Sheridan looked concerned.
"Well here, let me help." She said, patting a spot next to her on the hospital bed. Luis got an intrigued look on his face.
"What are you going to do?" Luis asked flirtatiously.
"I guess you'll have to find out for yourself." Sheridan teased raising an eyebrow.
Luis got up and sat on the bed. Sheridan propped herself up and ran her hands up Luis' neck. Luis could feel her breath running down his spine, he had never felt that much of a spark before in his life.
"where does it hurt the most?" She asked, turning him to face her.
"Everywhere," Luis groaned, "you really stressed me out. Ha, you gave a new meaning to the term 'pain in the neck'!" He laughed. "Hey!" She shot back pushing him gently, "Not funny!" she couldn't help but laugh though, she loved it when Luis showed his sense of humour. "Here, come closer will you?" Sheridan demanded, frustrated. She started undoing the top buttons of Luis' shirt. he was surprised at this, it caught him off guard. "What are you doing?" Luis asked above a whisper, locking his gaze in Sheridan's sparkling eyes. Their faces were centimetres apart. After staring into each other's eyes, Sheridan pulled back.
"I was just loosening the collar of your shirt so I could get at the knots in your neck better." She explained. Luis looked disappointed.
"Oh." After a moment of thought he said "Hey, why don't I see when you can get out of here?"
"Sure!" Sheridan instantly lit up. "I'd like that!"
"Okay, I'll go check with Eve and see if you're safe to go." He started buttoning his shirt back up and walked towards the door.
"Wait!" Sheridan broke out. Luis turned around in an instance.
"What! What's wrong?"
"I have a better idea." Sheridan insisted, "If you go out there and ask them to release me, they'll probably say no, and that I need to stay for observation, right?" The wheels in Sheridan's head were turning and she was anxious to tell Luis her plan.
"Ya, probably......but-"
"Shhh," Sheridan cut in. "If, if's and buts were candy and nuts, then everyday would be Christmas!" Luis laughed at this,
"Ha! Sheridan, what's gotten into you? Maybe you should stay for observation!" Luis joked.
"I'm serious Luis! Just listen to my idea before you diagnose me with insanity!" She pleaded.
"Okay, shoot." He said sitting back down.
"Well," Sheridan began, "I was thinking, and what I really need is to get out of here, to get all these machines away from me and then go on a little vacation." She smiled sweetly at Luis, hoping he would approve.
Yes, I agree, and you can do all that when you are better!" Luis grinned. Sheridan pouted.
"Come on Luis, can you please just get me out of here? We can go away together, you could really use some R&R."
"Sheridan, you're still too weak, its too dangerous." He said in an overly protective tone.
"You'll be there to protect me though." Just then she ripped the I.V. out of her hand. "Ow!" she cried.
"Sheridan! Are you nuts? Use some common sense!" He yelled at her, taking her hand and rubbing it.
"Urgh!" He let out a groan, "I can see you're not going to give this up--you are the most stubborn woman I have ever met!" Sheridan smiled proudly at him,
"Lets go then!" She urged, ripping off the stiff hospital sheets, "We have no time to waste!"
To Be Continued...
Chapter 10:
"What are you waiting for? Lets get out of here." Sheridan repeated.
Luis looked at her in disbelief, "You aren't serious about this, are
you?" he dared.
"Of course I'm serious!" She started to started to slip her shoes on,
"Luis, nothing will happen to me! You will be by my side the whole time
to make sure I'm okay."
"Still-" Luis mumbled.
"Luuuuis!" Sheridan begged, looking at him hopefully.
He sighed and began talking again. "Even if we were to go, I don't see
how it would work out." He got up and started walking around the small
hospital room, that reeked of a lemony fresh scent.
"Why not?" Sheridan quizzed coldly.
Luis walked over to Sheridan and placed his hands on her jaw. "Listen, I
don't want you to get all worked up over this; you need to rest." he
reminded her with deep concern in his voice.
"Luis, for the last time...I'll be okay!" Her voice echoed between the
bare floors and walls. "I can rest in the car." she finished off.
Luis groaned and took a deep breath, "What am I going to do with you,
Ms. Crane?"
A large smile spread across Sheridan's face; Luis loved to see that glow
about her, and couldn't stop from smiling himself. It wasn't often he
was this spontaneous and he didn't know why, but for some reason
Sheridan drove him crazy. She was different, but in a good way and Luis
couldn't understand his feelings for her and what exactly they meant.
"It's about time you took a walk on the wild side!" Sheridan gleamed.
Luis looked down, shyly.
"Thank you, Luis." she said sweetly, and walked over to him.
He looked up just in time for her to wrap her arms around him. He ran
his hans up her back and held her tightly, but carefully. When she
pulled away he let his hands slide down her arms and stared into her
eyes. They started to move closer to one another, and Luis slid his
hands up to Sheridan's neck.
"Luis," Sheridan whispered.
"Shhh." Luis hushed.
They kept their eyes on each other. They were so close that they could
feel the other's heart beating; beating the same rhythm as each other's.
Together they became one; one soul, one mind, one heart.
"Luis moved his hand farther up Sheridan's neck till it reached her face
again. She felt a chill run down her spine, her heart was pounding
against her chest as was Luis'. He swept his hand over her forehead and
brushed some strands of hair out of her eyes--he loved to get lost in
them.
"Your eyes," he hesitated to continue.
"Yes?" Sheridan asked hopefully.
"They are like two deep pools of beauty. They're almost magnetic..."
Sheridan blushed, she wasn't used to Luis analyzing her like that. She
enjoyed it.
"Go on." she joked, grinning.
Luis pulled away, realizing for the first time what was happening.
Sheridan's grin turned to disappointment, and she pulled away also.
"We should get going." Luis changed the subject.
"Of course, let's go." Sheridan agreed, walking towards the door.
"Sheridan!" Luis panicked, "What are you doing? We have to go out the
window."
"Oh my goodness, I almost forgot." She exclaimed, scurrying away from
the door.
Luis propped open the window, "Ready?" he asked nervously.
"More ready then I'll ever be." she smiled.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 11:
"I'll climb out first." Luis instructed. "That way, I can help you get out of here safely." Luis started to climb out of the small window, talking to Sheridan as he did. "Hey Sheridan - OW!" he blurted out, as he bumped his head hard on the window frame. "Luis! Are you okay?" Sheridan cried, rushing over to him. "Just peachy." he remarked sarcastically. Sheridan started laughing, and eventually Luis joined in. "Your turn." Luis broke out. He smiled at Sheridan mischievously. "I don't like that look on your face, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald!" Sheridan stated. "Am I unnerving you?" he asked innocently. Sheridan just looked at him, deciding whether or not she should trust him. Luis stopped smiling, and turned serious. "Sheridan, I would never do anything to hurt you, I promise."
Sheridan felt a warm tingle run through her body. She loved how Luis was always so concerned about her, even if he was sometimes too overprotective. She felt safe around him, and would trust him with her life; heck he had saved her life about a dozen times before. Luis reached out his hand and waited for her t take it. "My car is just over at he side parking lot, so it shouldn't take us very long to be on our way." "Okay, good," Sheridan started, placing her hand in Luis' hand, "I can't wait to get away from it all." "I'm still not sure this is such a great idea. I mean, we're sneaking out of a hospital, in the middle of the night, you're still recovering, and no one knows where we are going. I don't even know where we are going!" Luis stopped and admired Sheridan.
She looked so beautiful with the moonlight beaming down onto her, and reflecting the light from her eyes. "Luis, don't back out now." Sheridan's eyes pleaded, "I...you...us, we need this so much." Luis was under Sheridan's spell, there was no way he could refuse her now. "Alright." he said above a whisper. Sheridan smiled slightly and gripped on to Luis' hand tighter so she could make her way out the window. Just as she had almost made it out, she lost her balance and came falling down. Luckily, Luis caught her. "Shh, it's okay I got you." Luis held on to Sheridan gently, not wanting to let her go. Sheridan opened her eyes and found herself drawn in by Luis' soft, sexy eyes. Her heart fluttered, and in the spur of the moment, she pulled him into another hug. "Thanks again, Luis." she whispered in his ear.
Luis' breathing sped up, he wasn't used to having her so close to him. "Any time." he said soothingly. Luis cleared his throat, "We should get going now, huh?" "Ya," Sheridan nodded in agreement, "lets go." While in the car, Luis reached into the back and pulled out a shopping bag. "Here are some clothes, you can wear. As good as that hospital gown looks on you, it might make people a bit suspicious." Luis laughed. "Theresa just bought these clothes, haven't even been worn yet." "Oh, I wouldn't want to wear them if she doesn't want me to." Sheridan said. "She won't even know, besides, she will understand. We can buy some things when we get to where ever it is we are heading to." Luis handed the bag to Sheridan. "I hope they fit." "Okay, thanks." she smiled. She crawled into the back seat and undid her hospital gown. Luis looked back and got an eyeful. "Whoa, what are you doing?" he asked startled, but obviously amused. "Changing, what else? You didn't want me to change outside did you?" she asked him.
"No, no, no, I just - I just wasn't expecting that." he blushed. Sheridan giggled, "Well, turn around." she said. Luis turned back around, embarrassed and waited for her to finish dressing. Of course he couldn't help but look in the review mirror from time to time. Sheridan noticed Luis checking her out, and was quite flattered. She smiled to herself and got back into the front seat. "Your sister has good taste." Luis observed Sheridan, who was wearing a mint green tank top and long black skirt. "I think you would beautiful if all you were wearing was an old paper bag."
Sheridan blushed, "likewise." Luis laughed, "Well thanks." "Thanks to you too." Sheridan said. After a moment's gaze, Luis pulled out a map and gave it to Sheridan. "You pick." "Pick what?" "Pick where we should go on our little vacation." Luis informed her. "Really? Are you sure?" Sheridan asked surprised. "100% sure, I want this to be perfect for you, Sheridan." "That's so sweet of you." Sheridan couldn't help but to fall in love with Luis more and more every second. She only wished he felt the same way. "Hmm, I have one place in mind, but it might require a lot of driving."
"Hey, what do you think I do for a living?" Luis chuckled, "I'm in a police cruiser almost 24/7, driving is my specialty...unlike someone else I know." "I knew that was coming! I am not THAT bad of a driver!" she argued. "Define bad." Luis joked. "Hey!" she said hitting him in the arm, "That's not funny!" Sheridan laughed. Luis laughed also. "So where is this place?" "Right here!" Sheridan announced with excitement.
She pointed to a spot on the map, and Luis beamed. "Spain?" "I know you've always wanted to go there, and now you have your own personal guide." "This means a lot." Luis acknowledged. "Thank you so much, Sheridan!" "We're going to have a blast, I just know we are." Sheridan told him. "I hope so! I can't wait another minute, lets get out of here." Luis said, as he put the car into gear. With that, the two started their journey all the way to Spain.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 12:
Luis grinned to himself as he ran his hand through Sheridan's perfect
hair. Her head rested on his shoulder, as she dreamt of the wonderful
times her and Luis would soon be experiencing, together in Spain.
"...Sheridan, Sheridan, wake up, we're almost there." Luis said as he
gently shook her.
Sheridan began to stir, and slowly sat up,
"Luis? Where - where are we?" she stuttered, looking around, and
squinting from the light.
"Shh, don't worry, we are just about to land. Then we can go find a
hotel to stay in."
"Oh ya," Sheridan smiled, coming to, "we're going to Spain."
"Correction," Luis said excitedly, "we are in Spain!"
Sheridan's eyes grew bigger, and she glanced out the window.
"Oh...wow..." she gasped. "It looks even more beautiful at the night."
Luis leaned closer to Sheridan to see for himself. "It takes my breath
away." Luis said softly.
Sheridan felt Luis' warm breath tickle her neck, and she longed for him
to kiss her. He was driving her crazy, and she didn't know how much
longer it would take for him to make a move on her. She hoped it was
soon.
Luis was so close to Sheridan, and he felt as if he was under a spell.
He looked out the window once more, and then focused his eyes on
Sheridan. From the light of the sky, she looked so enchanting; so
mystical. He could feel himself moving closer to Sheridan, and he had no
desire to stop. He was so drawn in by her perfume and beauty that he
hadn't even realized they had just landed.
Sheridan turned her head towards Luis and caught him staring at her with
his big brown, loving eyes. She was so close to him that their lips were
almost touching, and she was sure he could hear her heart beating
rapidly against her chest.
The noise around them seemed to die down, and once again, they entered
their own little world. Luis reached for Sheridan's hand, and decided
that he had waited to long; he had to kiss her.
"Excuse me," a voice perked up, interrupting Sheridan and Luis' moment.
'Damn it!' Luis thought, frustrated. 'Why is something always coming in
the way of me and Sheridan?'
Sheridan pulled back, annoyed. 'He was finally going to make his move!'
she thought silently. 'Damn it!'
Luis and Sheridan glared at the woman who had interrupted them. "Yes?"
Luis asked, angry.
"Can you please help me with my bag? I can't seem to get it down." The
lady was about 5"6, had medium length strawberry blonde hair, green
eyes, and had a perfect figure.
Luis sighed, "Sure, no problem." He reached up above her seat, and
pulled down a black duffel bag. "There ya go."
"Thanks, hun." the lady smiled sweetly. "I knew you could help me." She
ran her hand up his arm seductively, "I bet those big muscles are good
for a lot of things."
Sheridan watched wide eyed as this flirt was hitting on Luis. She
couldn't help but feel jealous, and enraged; something had to be done.
Luis pulled back from the woman, disgusted, but she kept coming on to
him.
Sheridan jumped up from her seat and wrapped her arm around Luis' waist.
"He's taken."
Luis was surprised at Sheridan's move, but was thankful she had saved
him. He held her closer and smiled, "That's right." Luis placed his hand
on Sheridan's stomach, "Only eight months and two weeks to go!"
The lady's jaw dropped and she gave Luis a look of horror. "Oh! Oh...oh
my gosh! I had no idea! Please excuse me!" she gasped as she ran out of
the airplane, embarrassed.
Sheridan and Luis couldn't contain their laughter any more. "Did you see
the look on her face?" Sheridan giggled.
"It was priceless, that's for sure." Luis agreed. "Thanks for saving
me."
"Hey, it's about time I did. You're usually the one saving me."
The two were quiet for a moment, but Sheridan broke the silence. "That
was genius pretending I was pregnant!"
Luis blushed a bit, "It was a spur of the moment thing."
The sound of footsteps caught Luis and Sheridan's attention. "I'm sorry
but you two will have to leave the plane now, we have another flight."
the stewardess announced.
Luis looked around, "Oh, sorry, I didn't even notice everyone had left."
"Me either." Sheridan laughed. "We'll be on our way."
The stewardess smiled and continued to the front of the plane. "Well, ya
ready to go?" Luis asked.
"More ready than I'll ever be." Sheridan grinned. "Lets go."
In no time at all, Sheridan and Luis had found a nice hotel, and were
ready for a good night's sleep, and a new exciting day ahead of them.
To Be Continued...
