Eve curled up against Kevin's warm body as her heart rate slowly returned to 
               normal again. She trailed her fingers along his chest feeling the beads of 
               perspiration on her forehead as he swept her tussled hair from her eyes. 

               ''Kevin,'' she whispered entranced by their love making session as she tried to 
               dismiss the empty feeling inside of her as she gazed into his far away eyes. 

               ''Yes?'' he questioned breaking out of his silence glancing down at her trying to 
               dismiss the solitude he'd been slipping into while holding her close to him.

               ''Do you regret this?'' she questioned realizing that each time she made love to 
               him a piece of her slowly felt as if it had vanished from deep within her. 

               ''Regret? Eve, why would you think that?'' Kevin asked trailing his fingers along 
               her spine, tracing her curves as he stared at her. ''Why would you ask such a 
               thing?'' 

               ''I don't know.'' Eve shrugged feeling his grip tighten around her as she spoke. ''I 
               just thought that maybe.....'' 

               ''Don't think Eve.'' He whispered placing a finger over her swelled lips. ''Every 
               moment spent with you is a moment I want to spend savoring every inch of 
               you.'' 

               ''Kevin,'' Eve began kissing his finger. 

               ''Shh.....'' he insisted silencing her with a kiss as the two made love once more 

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               Across town sitting alone in the bay window, Lucy stared into the sky thinking of 
               brighter days: days when they were together loving one another; promising that 
               they'd spend an eternity in each other's arms, but here she was alone living the 
               lie she'd grown accustomed to. There was always Scott, but what she'd shared 
               with Scott couldn't compare to the love they'd shared; the tears they'd cried; 
               the promises of forever they'd made in those moments of tender indulgence 
               after the thunderous storm clouds of passion had settled after their love making 
               sessions. 

               Closing her eyes, she could feel his warm breath upon her eliciting chills up her 
               spine as her flesh burned at the mere thought of his touch, the feel of his hot 
               skin pressed to hers as promises of forever flashed through her mind. Her 
               memory cast shadows upon the picture her mind had painted of his exquisite 
               body and gentle touch which had driven her to new heights on countless 
               occasions like this when she'd been insecure about what the world around them 
               had in store for her and their love. 

               ''Being in your arms is the safest place I've ever been.'' he'd said to her during a 
               time after one of their darkest moments had seemingly passed. 

               ''I could hold onto you forever Doc.'' she'd whispered knowing that he'd captured 
               the very essence of her being in the moment they'd first sealed their love with a 
               kiss and from his first declaration of love, she'd been caught; devoted to him 
               hook, line, and sinker. Now alone in front of the moonlit sky, a single tear fell 
               down her soft skin reminding her of the emptiness she felt as she lost herself in 
               another time and place where all the world was right.......where their love was 
               forever....when he was hers....... 

               ''Oh Doc, what have we become?'' she questioned choking back tears as the 
               words they'd promised so long ago came back to haunt her. 

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               Alone in his cell, he gazed up at the moon, unaware of time or place as his 
               thoughts lingered upon her........the love of his life, the only woman in his soul. 
               Closing his eyes, he tried to lose himself as he had before from his bitter 
               solitude. Her hair, her eyes, her perfume--filled the air that he breathed--filling 
               his heart with traces of the love they'd once shared--a love that would never 
               die. 

               ''But you left all of that foolishly when your pride stepped in and took control of 
               your heart.'' he reminded himself poignantly recalling that in a moment of haste 
               he'd lost it all forever. 

               Closing in on the corner of his blackening imprisonment, he silently pleaded to 
               anyone who could hear his frightened cries as he willed himself to fight the 
               madness eating away at his soul with each passing moment. As his life flashed 
               before him, he thought of her and their bitter exchange and those words in 
               haste that he would live to regret for the rest of his miserable life. If only he 
               would have given her a chance--if only he would have listened to his heart, then 
               they'd be together now instead of being apart. 

               ''Oh Lucy,'' he moaned remembering the video he'd seen of her seeking comfort 
               in Scott's arms as they made love. Fighting back bitter tears, he willed those 
               memories to evaporate as he focused on losing himself in her eyes, her face, 
               and in that final moment where she stood before him in her wedding dress 
               pleading with him to just hear her out. 

               ''I'm so sorry Lucy.......'' he cried out curling into a ball as the nightmare his life 
               had turned into played before him. 

               ''Someone help me..........'' he trailed off knowing his voice would never be 
               heard. 

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               After Eve had fallen asleep, Kevin slipped out of bed quickly pulling his thick 
               comforter around himself as he approached the window. Casting a glance in 
               Eve's direction, he took note of her peaceful slumber. 

               ''She looks so happy and comfortable.'' he thought to himself with a chuckle as 
               he looked out into the night throwing open the shutters with a laugh as the cool 
               night air flooded upon his half exposed chest. 

               All the houses were darkened as the town slept and the world was his at last. 
               He fought to suppress his joy as the realization that Port Charles was at his 
               mercy set it. He'd have his pick of anything he'd ever desired; every man and 
               woman would be at his mercy. Now was his time to shine as the world stood 
               before him. He'd spent so long in hiding, but after that warm July afternoon 
               when Kevin had decided to walk away and opportunity knocked, he knew that 
               his time had arrived and that his life would never be the same. He was on top 
               perfectly slipping into his neurotic brother's shoes ready to pick up the pieces of 
               his life and jumble it around a bit in order to achieve all that was rightfully his. 

               ''And soon they'll all discover just what it means to have their lives torn apart.'' 
               he muttered staring back at Eve who slept innocently before him. 

               ''She's probably dreaming of her beloved Kevin.'' he laughed realizing how easy 
               it had been to seduce Eve Lambert as he closed the windows once again. 
               Noticing that she had started to stir, he slipped back into bed wrapping his arm 
               around her as a pleased smile curled upon his lips. ''Too bad she'll never know 
               the truth, but then again, soon he will be gone for good and I'll be the only 
               Kevin Collins there is.'' 

               Eve Lambert entered her apartment exhaustively swinging the front door shut behind her as 
               thoughts of curling up into her bed entered her mind. She thought of her restless night of passion 
               over at the lighthouse with Kevin and realized that if things kept up like they were going between 
               the two of them, she'd be worn out with exhaustion by the end of the week. Slipping out of her 
               heels, she moved towards her bedroom consumed by thoughts of her warm woolen blankets and 
               soft feather pillows when the sounds of laughter filled the air. 

               ''Chris, stop it.'' A woman's voice laughed followed by a thump as Eve listened closely for a 
               moment trying to place the voice. ''I told you before that I'm going to be late for work if you keep 
               this up.'' 

               ''So call in sick today.'' Chris pleaded with an urgency in his voice as Eve heard another thump. 
               ''I'm sure we can find some ways to put your investigate reporting skills to use this morning if you 
               just hop back into bed with me.'' 

               ''As tempting as it sounds I have a deadline that I have to get on top of by this afternoon 
               Christopher.'' she explained seriously as Eve debated on going into her room, but opted to listen 
               in for a moment longer. 

               ''Come on Tracie, I can think of much more interesting things for you to get on top of.....like me.'' 
               Chris insisted suggestively as Eve rolled her eyes and opened her bedroom door ready to get 
               away before she was subjected to any more of her roommate's romantic liaison. 

               Eve shut the door behind her and leaned up against it trying to dismiss the troubled feeling she 
               was experiencing after her breakfast with Kevin, who had seemed rather aloof after receiving a 
               phone call. She'd asked him what the problem was, but he had insisted that it was nothing and 
               had suggested that they spend the morning enjoying one another. Before Eve had a chance to 
               probe the issue any further, he had swept her into his arms and the two had made love once more 
               without speaking another word on the subject. Now faced with a feeling that she just couldn't 
               shake, Eve threw open her bed and plopped herself underneath the thick blankets unaware of the 
               soft tapping at her door. 

               ''Hello,'' Chris called out opening the door, ''anyone home?'' 

               ''Go away.'' Eve muttered turning over on her side as she listened to Chris shut the door behind 
               him. 

               ''Hey, I'm surprised to find you home this morning.'' Chris continued pulling her comforter off of her 
               head and looking at her. 

               ''Chris, go away. I have a headache.'' Eve mumbled reaching for her pillow and plopping it over 
               her head. 

               ''That might work with Dr. Collins, but I don't give up that easily.'' Chris replied flopping down next 
               to her as he stared at the ceiling. ''You know I always wondered what this would be like.'' 

               ''Don't you ever go away?'' Eve questioned turning to face him realizing that sleep was out of the 
               picture for a while. 

               ''Nope never.'' Chris grinned glancing her over and noticing that she was wearing the same 
               clothes he had seen her wearing on the previous day. ''God Eve, you look terrible this morning.'' 

               ''Who asked you anyways?'' she questioned rolling over on her opposite side hoping he would 
               take the hint, but he remained still on her bed waiting for her to speak up. Finally after a few 
               minutes she turned to look at him over her shoulder and questioned. ''So why are you in here 
               bothering me when you could be doing something else like spending time with Tracie?'' 

               ''She had to go into work this morning.'' Chris confessed thinking of his well spent evening with the 
               blonde bombshell. 

               ''I thought that you two were just going to keep it on a friendly level.'' Eve added rolling over to face 
               him once more. 

               ''Well, we were......'' Chris trailed off as a deliciously wicked smile crossed his lips, ''but you know 
               how it is after a night of good food, good wine, and good company. One thing just seems to lead 
               to another and before you know it........'' 

               ''You're a pig. You know that?'' Eve muttered rolling her eyes deciding she'd heard just about 
               enough from Chris. ''All you men are the same. You just can't handle the thought of being just 
               friends with a beautiful woman for an extended period of time, can you?'' 

               ''Oh like you and the good Doctor waited so long to jump into the sack after he and Lucy Coe 
               finally called it quits. How long was it again? A week? A couple of days perhaps?'' 

               ''What Kevin and I have is different.'' Eve insisted not wanting to get into the same tiresome 
               argument with Chris about Kevin Collins. ''He and I have this bond.'' 

               ''Bond huh?'' Chris questioned curiously propping his head up on his arm as he spoke. ''Is that in 
               or out of the sheets Eve?'' 

               ''Chris, look I didn't come home to have this conversation with you again.'' Eve snapped at him 
               angrily. ''What goes on with Kevin and I is none of your business.'' 

               ''It is when you disappear for days, then come home looking like hell.'' Chris insisted shaking his 
               head as he spoke. ''You used to smile sometimes and even enjoy life Eve. Now every time I see 
               you, you're either running out the door to the hospital for your shift, jumping at Kevin's every whim, 
               or laying here in bed trying to catch up on the sleep your obviously lacking. What happened to the 
               carefree, fun loving girl I used to know? I miss her.'' 

               ''She has obligations now Chris.'' Eve replied irritably as she looked up at him. ''You know I'm 
               sorry if I can't be there every time your ego needs a good stroking Chris.'' 

               ''This isn't about my ego Eve.'' Chris shot back instantly. ''This is about you. I'm concerned about 
               what this relationship with Kevin is doing to you.'' 

               ''It's not doing anything to me Chris.'' Eve snapped at him in anger. ''I'm happy, can't you see that? 
               I love Kevin and the last thing I need to hear from you right now is how Kevin is so wrong for me. 
               Can't you just let it go for once and see that being with Kevin is the best thing that's ever 
               happened to me? '' 

               ''Yeah, whatever you say.'' Chris mumbled sitting up and shaking his head. 

               ''Chris, look I'm sorry that I snapped at you.'' Eve began as he moved across the room. ''It's just 
               that I really do need to get a couple hours worth of sleep in before I go in for my shift later.'' 

               ''Far be it for me to keep Princess Eve from her sleep.'' Chris muttered sarcastically opening the 
               door. 

               ''Chris.......'' She began sitting up and watching him. 

               ''Look, you don't have to say another thing.'' Chris continued turning around to face her. ''I was 
               wrong to prod you for details about Kevin, and it won't happen again.'' 

               ''Thank you.'' Eve replied gratefully realizing that she was now wide awake as she watched him 
               closely trying to change the subject. ''Now that we've got that out of the way, care to tell me more 
               about this Tracie thing?'' 

               ''Ah, there you go breaking the rules.'' Chris began quickly giving her a disapproving look. 

               ''Rules?'' Eve questioned as he moved in towards her again taking a seat on the bed. ''What 
               rules?'' 

               ''The rules in the roommate's code of conduct laid out by yours truly.'' Chris continued flopping 
               down next to her once more. ''If I'm not allowed to poke into your love life and question you about 
               juicy details, then.......'' 

               ''....the same works for me.'' Eve finished sensing where he was going with his ‘rules'. 

               ''Exactly. You're a quick learner.'' Chris agreed wrapping an arm around her as she snuggled in 
               against him. ''We won't discuss our private lives with one another or analyze them for that 
               matter....unless of course you'd like to change these rules by volunteering information about life 
               with Kevin Collins.'' 

               ''Not a chance.'' Eve replied gazing up at him with a yawn. ''Chris, I'm tired.'' 

               ''Then I guess it looks like nap time for us Dr. Lambert.'' Chris replied closing his eyes and laying 
               back into her pillow. 

               ''Us?'' Eve questioned curiously as she watched Chris make himself comfortable before pushing 
               him off her bed. ''I don't think so.'' 

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               Swinging her purse across her shoulders and drawing in a deep breath, Tracie Richards pushed 
               open the thick glass doors to the news room standing straighter as she confidently strolled into 
               the office fully aware of her tardiness as a couple of co-workers turned their heads at her 
               presence. As she passed by her boss's office, she began to tip toe towards her desk hoping to 
               go unnoticed by his watchful eye. 

               ''Tracie, may I have a word with you?'' Avery Jackson called out from behind his half opened office 
               door. 

               Knowing that she was caught, Tracie let out a long sigh holding her head up high as she entered 
               her boss's office noticing his motion for her to close the door behind them before he started with 
               his morning ritual of chewing her out for her habitual tardiness. Taking a seat in front of Avery's 
               desk, Tracie crossed her legs and stared at her boss expectantly hoping that this morning's 
               sermon wouldn't take any longer than necessary as she thought of the pile of work on her desk 
               waiting for her. 

               ''So what's the excuse this morning Tracie?'' Avery questioned curiously leaning back in his black 
               leather chair as his fingers tapped on his thick oak desk. 

               ''Well, actually...'' she began thinking it over for a moment cocking her head to the side as he 
               waited for a response. 

               ''Let me guess,'' he began sarcastically as he observed her struggle to find the perfect 
               explanation, ''your car broke down again, or was the subway backed up as usual?'' 

               ''Listen Avery, you've got it all wrong.'' Tracie leaning forward in her seat and reaching deep into 
               her black leather carrying case for her lap top computer. ''For your information, I was working on 
               something just a little while ago that might change your opinion of me.'' 

               ''Is that so?'' Avery questioned skeptically raising an eyebrow as he accepted the yellow folder 
               she placed in his hand. ''And just what might that be?'' 

               ''That is the in-depth expose on the nursing home scandal that you requested.'' Tracie replied 
               leaning back in her chair and letting out a bored yawn as she spoke. ''What you'll find in those 
               pages is enough to keep your head spinning for days. I uncovered everything you wanted to know 
               about that place and more. Plus, if you flip to the last page you'll find my own little editorial 
               summing up all of my discoveries. Plus I submitted a copy to one of the print editors downstairs 
               and once they get your okay, then they'll release it.'' 

               ''I can't believe that you've finished this already.''He replied as he thumbed through the crisp 
               pages in disbelief as he glanced up at her. ''You are amazing.'' 

               ''Well, you did say that you wanted it as soon as possible and I aim to please.'' Tracie added 
               standing up and moving towards the door for a quick exit. ''Anyways, if you have any questions 
               then feel free to stop by my desk later on this afternoon.'' 

               ''Hold it Richards.'' Avery called out setting down the file as she froze in her tracks. ''Not so fast. 
               We still have to deal with that little punctuality issue.'' 

               ''Oh that little thing.'' Tracie grinned innocently closing the door as he motioned for her to take a 
               seat once more. ''I figured that you'd want to end things on a positive note between us. Besides, I 
               need to start working on my leads for that insurance fraud story if I'm going to get it out in time for 
               next week's deadline.'' 

               ''Tracie, about that story.'' Avery began shifting in his chair as his eyes averted across the room. 

               ''What is it?'' Tracie questioned in a panic taking note of Avery's hesitance. ''Did my lead fall 
               through?'' 

               ''No, actually your lead provided much more information than anticipated.'' Avery added staring at 
               her trying to find the right words. 

               ''That's great news. In fact, I'll have to get right on top of now.'' Tracie commented eager to dive 
               into her next project as she reached for her things. 

               ''Tracie, I gave the project to Bob.'' Avery blurted out watching her jaw drop to the floor as she 
               stared at him in disbelief. 

               ''No that's impossible.'' Tracie insisted shaking her head and letting out a hollow laugh. ''You're 
               kidding right?'' 

               ''I'm afraid not Tracie.'' Avery explained seriously as he gazed into her crystal blue eyes staring 
               back at him in astonishment. ''Last night the call came in, and we had to act upon it.'' 

               ''But Avery, you know that I'm more qualified for this type of work than Bob is.'' she snapped back 
               in anger as she clenched her fists tightly. ''I earned this one.'' 

               ''Tracie, I had no choice. You know how this business works kid.'' Avery reminded her as she 
               stood over his desk seething with anger. ''The news can't wait for you.'' 

               ''Avery, you know how long I've been working behind the scenes on this one.'' she huffed 
               loosening her fists before her long, red finger nails dug into her palms. ''Why didn't you call me 
               when the tip came in? You know that I would have rushed over here.'' 

               ''I tried calling you at your apartment last night Tracie. Heck, I even tried paging you, but after the 
               sixth time I had no other choice, but to let Bob take over the story.'' Avery explained in a 
               patronizing tone as he stood up to her. ''You'll have to learn to keep your lines of communication 
               open if you want to succeed in this business.'' 

               ''Damn it.'' Tracie silently cursed taking a step back from Avery's desk as she remembered 
               turning off her pager the previous evening after she had accepted Chris Ramsey's indecent 
               proposal. She closed her eyes and thought of kicking herself as she remembered how easily 
               swayed she was by his pleas for just one more moment alone together. 

               ''Don't take it personally Tracie.'' Avery called out interrupting her thoughts as he held out her next 
               assignment. ''Here's something else for you to work on instead.'' 

               ''What is it?'' she questioned opening up the file and glancing it over in disgust. ''The Baldwin/Coe 
               merger at Jaxx's cosmetics? You've got to be kidding me.'' 

               ''Tracie, it's a huge media event and all the big players will be there.'' Avery insisted hoping that 
               he'd be able to persuade her to cover the story. ‘It could prove to be an interesting afternoon.'' 

               ''It's a fashion show. What do I look like? A fashion consultant?'' She snapped back throwing the 
               file at him. ''I'm not going to work some meaningless socialite event.'' 

               ''Tracie, look at it as an easy open and close story.'' Avery urged as she shot him a glare. 

               ''Look, when I arrived in Port Charles, you promised me that I wouldn't be stuck doing something 
               this trivial. You and I both know that I deserve better than this.'' she snapped back at him angrily. 
               ''Send one of the girls down on three out there if you're looking into a cushy little fashion report 
               because I refuse to do it!'' 

               ''You don't have a choice about.....Hold that thought.'' Avery replied pausing to pick up the ringing 
               phone. ''Good morning. Avery here, what do you have for me?'' 

               Tracie let out a frustrated sigh as she fell back into her seat once more listening to Avery chat 
               away on the telephone. She thought of all the months of hard work she'd invested on that story 
               line, and how in a moment of carelessness she'd lost all that time. She remembered the feel of 
               Chris's arms around her when she had awakened in the morning, and realized that if she was 
               going to remain on top of things, she was going to have to push all other distractions, especially 
               Chris out of her mind, until she'd redeemed herself. 

               ''Well Tracie, it looks like today is your lucky day.'' Avery spoke out interrupting her thoughts as 
               she looked up at him holding a piece of paper out to her. 

               ''What is this?'' she questioned reaching for the tiny white sheet he'd jotted notes on during his 
               phone call. 

               ''It's your next story.'' he explained leaning back in his chair crossing his arms behind his head as 
               she looked at the details in awe. 

               ''Are you serious?'' Tracie questioned in amazement glancing over the details once more. ''Is this 
               for real?'' 

               ''That's for you to find you.'' Avery replied waving his hands in the air motioning for her to leave his 
               office. ''In fact, you should be out there right now working on it. What are you waiting for?'' 

               ''Yes sir.'' she smiled folding the sheet in half before placing it into her pocket eager to begin her 
               newest project. 

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               ''Lucy, breakfast is waiting.'' Scott called up the stairs hoping to awaken Lucy from her slumber. 
               He waited a few moments before finally venturing upstairs into the bedroom only to find her curled 
               underneath the blankets trying to hide her muffled cries. 

               ''Hey, are you okay?'' Scott questioned realizing that she had spent most of the night upstairs in 
               the window sill again just staring at the moonlit sky. 

               ''I'm fine.'' she replied with a sniffle keeping her back to Scott as she fought to dry her sad eyes. 

               ''Luce, what is it?'' Scott questioned rolling her over to face him as he noticed the red blotches 
               forming underneath her eyes. 

               ''Nothing.'' she replied quickly swiping the fresh tears that had fallen down her cheek moments 
               earlier. ''I'm fine Scott. Really I am.'' 

               ''Lucy, I'm worried about you.'' Scott confessed cradling her in his arms as he held her tightly. ''It 
               seems as if every night you're up until dawn looking out that window, and every morning I find you 
               here in bed reluctant to get up with tears in your eyes. What is it Lucy? Am I doing something to 
               make you unhappy?'' 

               ''No Scott, it's not you.'' Lucy began tearfully as she gazed up into his concerned eyes. ''Being 
               here with you and Serena is a dream come true for me. I love you both very much.'' 

               ''But?'' Scott questioned waiting for an answer, yet dreading the words as her face spoke the truth 
               with every passing moment. 

               ''But nothing.'' Lucy replied pulling herself together as she sat up in bed. ''What do you say you and 
               I take Serena out for a while today?'' 

               ''Lucy, lately you've been so distant. What's going on?'' Scott began in a serious tone knowing that 
               they desperately needed to talk about things between them as he felt her slipping away from him 
               a bit more with each passing day. 

               ''Scott, let's just take the time today to enjoy each other.'' Lucy insisted not wanting to get into her 
               feelings for Kevin as she stared at the loving man before her knowing in her heart that she should 
               suppress her feelings for Kevin and just sit back enjoying the life that she had before her with 
               Scott and Serena. 

               ''Lucy, I can see in your eyes that something's terribly wrong.'' Scott continued stroking the side of 
               her face as he noticed that far away look in her eyes once more. ''Please tell me what's troubling 
               you.'' 

               ''Just hold me Scott.'' she replied holding onto him tightly closing her eyes and fighting to lose 
               herself in his arms. 

               ''Lucy,'' he started in confusion wrapping his strong arms around her. 

               ''Just hold me.'' she repeated imagining that she was in Kevin's arms having him hold her near. 
               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               ''Dr. Collins, I didn't expect to see you here this morning.'' Thomas Mediva called out glancing at 
               the visitor standing before him. ''Surely, I thought that you were going to be out on the town with 
               that beautiful girlfriend of yours after that cool reception I received from you this morning.'' 

               ''Well, I couldn't quite concentrate on anything else once you informed me of my brother's 
               condition.'' He began in irritation as the two of them traveled down the dark corridor towards the 
               hidden entrance at the end of the hall. ''I assume that he's been medicated already this morning.'' 

               ''He's been fighting it lately. In fact, I'm almost tempted to remove him to a real medical facility 
               because of his physical depletion.'' Thomas explained quietly as they moved past the empty cells. 
               ''I'm assuming that you were prepared for this.'' 

               ''Thomas, I'm sure you're well aware of my brother's criminal history. He is a well known sociopath 
               in Port Charles and it's a matter of the upmost importance that his presence here remain in the 
               strictest of confidence..'' he began drawing in a breath as he stared into the small man's eyes. 

               ''I understand that Dr. Collins, but as time goes on, I fear for your brother's life.'' Thomas continued 
               obviously overwhelmed by the man standing before him. ''I believe that the solitude is slowly 
               eating away at his...'' 

               ''Under no circumstances will my brother make contact with anyone other that you or I. I pay you 
               well enough to ensure that no one else knows of his existance.'' he insisted in a menacing tone. 
               ''Do I make myself clear?'' 

               ''Of course sir, but if his condition keep depleting so rapidly, then I fear that.......'' Thomas began 
               feeling his knees shake. 

               ''Thomas, if by chance my brother passes away under your care, then so be it.'' he shrugged with 
               a hollow laugh. ''Besides, that's just what the world needs: one less sociopath.'' 

               ''Yes sir.'' Thomas nodded opening the large wooden door to reveal the darkened musty hallway 
               spread out before them. 

               ''Thank you. I'll take it from here.'' he nodded leaving Thomas in the bright hall as the door closed 
               in behind him. With a solemn look upon his face, he walked towards his brother's cell hearing the 
               echoing of his footsteps as he moved forward overwhelmed by the thick dampness in the air. 

               Standing before the ten by ten confinement he stared at the figure lying against the cold, black 
               wall whimpering softly through the darkness. A smile crossed his lips as his mirror image lay 
               before him hopeless and confused as he moved in towards the bars striking them with the tips of 
               his fingers sensing his brother's apparent terror as the sounds filled the concealed area of 
               confinement. 

               ''Hello brother dear.'' he laughed unable to contain himself as he watched the shadow of the man 
               before him crawl about mumbling incoherently. ''Did you miss me?'' 

               ''Why are you doing this to me?'' the voice bellowed as his brother shakily maneuvered himself to 
               his feet. 

               ''Ryan, come on you should know why you're here.'' he explained coolly to the dark, sullen eyes 
               before him. ''You've been a very bad boy and it's time for your punishment.'' 

               ''Don't say that!'' his brother screamed covering his ears in horror. ''I'm not Ryan!'' 

               ''Of course you are.'' he chuckled in amusement trailing his fingers along the bars as he moved in 
               for a closer look at the pathetic existence before him. 

               ''I'm Kevin. Kevin Collins.'' his brother called out clenching his scraped up fists into a ball as he 
               repeated it once more as if in a daze. ''I'm Kevin Collins.'' 

               ''No, there you're wrong brother dear. I'm Kevin Collins and you're Ryan Chamberlain.'' he laughed 
               in amusement watching his brother fall to the floor holding his head. ''It's time to face the harsh 
               reality of the situation.'' 

               ''No, I am Kevin Collins.'' he cried out feeling the pain shoot up his spine as he tried reaching out 
               to seize the imposter before him. ''I don't belong here.'' 

               ''Of course you do.'' he snickered in amusement watching his brother crawl about like an animal 
               as he lowered himself to his knees tossing a newspaper through the bars for his brother to get a 
               glimpse of the outside world. ''Don't worry bro, soon enough you won't have to worry about your 
               pathetic existence here on Earth. Soon you'll be free of your nightmare, but in the mean time I 
               brought you this. Thought you might like to know what's going on in the world you're no longer a 
               part of.'' 

               Casting his eyes on the weathered newspaper before him, he remained motionless unsure of 
               what his brother had waiting for him once he reached out to accept the object before him. Moving 
               back, he gazed at his brother standing there with a wide, teethy grin, as he remained in a state of 
               confusion both hating him and fearing him for what he had done to destroy his life. 

               ''Go on, it's not going to bite you.'' he urged in amusement watching his brother skeptically pull the 
               newspaper off of the ground for inspection. ''I think that you'll find the front page to be very 
               enlightening so to speak.'' 

               Without a word, he unfolded the newspaper and read the headline realizing how long it had been 
               since he had any type of contact with the outside world as he noticed the date on top of the paper. 
               He let out a horrified gasp realizing how long it had been since his life had turned into a 
               nightmare. Staring at the print date, his heart pounded as the realization set in. Eleven 
               months.......it had been eleven months to the day that he had been gone from modern civilization. 

               ''The paper is a few days old.'' his brother called out reading the look of surprise upon his face as 
               they locked gazes for a brief moment. ''Go on. Keep reading.'' 

               Shifting his eyes back upon the printed material, he noticed a couple of national headlines which 
               he breezed past still unsure of his brother's purpose for handing him the newspaper until he read 
               the words that caused his heart to freeze. He shook his head as he read the words: 
               BALDWIN/COE MERGER A SUCCESS. 

               ''No!'' he cried out tossing the paper across his cell as he refused to read anymore. ''It can't be.'' 

               ''Come on bro. Don't you want to read about your precious Lucy Coe and her life without her 
               Doc?'' Ryan questioned obviously pleased by Kevin's reaction. ''Hey, you know she's one heck of 
               a wild woman. You and I both knew that it was only a matter of time before she moved on in her 
               life after facing abandonment on her wedding day.'' 

               ''No, she loves me. We were meant to be together forever.'' Kevin insisted shaking his head trying 
               to dismiss all the lies Ryan had been feeding him all this time. 

               ''Face it. She's not yours anymore and she never will be.'' Ryan bellowed unable to hold back his 
               amusement as he reached deep in his pockets for his second surprise. ''Look at yourself. What in 
               the world do you have to offer her, huh? Love? A family? Security? The good life?'' 

               ''Lucy loves me.'' Kevin mumbled pulling his knees to his chest as he rocked back and forth on the 
               floor. 

               ''See it for yourself bro.'' Ryan laughed popping the tape that he had brought with him into the 
               VCR he'd set up in front of Kevin's cell. ''I'm sure you'll enjoy this.'' 

               ''Ms. Coe, any closing comments on the new upcoming fall fashion line.'' the reporter on screen 
               questioned as Kevin noticed Lucy standing behind a podium. 

               ''Lucy,'' he called out reaching for the vision before him wondering if his eyes had betrayed him. 

               ''It gets better.'' Ryan chuckled observing Kevin's reaction to the tape. 

               ''We have plenty of surprises in store for everyone. You'll just have to wait and see, but I promise 
               that it'll be even better then our last line was. Also, before I leave today, I'd like to introduce you all 
               to the man behind my inspiration. Come on, don't be shy.'' Lucy replied brightly turning to pull 
               Scott out of the chair he was sitting on center stage. 

               ''Lucy please....'' Scott began uneasily as she led him over to her podeum and the cameras 
               flashed at him. 

               ''Ladies and gentlemen of the press. I'd like to introduce you to the man behind Jax's new fashion 
               line, my partner, and my very bestest friend Mr. Scott Baldwin.'' Lucy announced brightly planting a 
               kiss on Scott's cheek as the crowd awaited a response from Scott. 

               ''Don't let her fool you folks, she's the all of the beauty and the brains behind all of this.'' Scott 
               spoke up wrapping his arm around Lucy. ''I'm lucky to have her by my side.'' 

               ''Ms. Coe, Mr. Baldwin.'' the reporters called out as the duo moved offstage holding onto one 
               another and the newscast concluded. 

               ''You know, I have a copy of the Nurse's Ball too in case you're curious to see how your lady fair 
               was disrobed this time around and even I have to admit that this time was a very unexpected 
               circumstance. Of course I did feign embarrassment throughout the evening even though my dear 
               Lucy and I are no longer an item.'' Ryan continued remembering the affair as he glanced over at 
               Kevin noticing his despair. ''Not in the mood for the Nurse's Ball, huh? Well, I suppose that it does 
               get rather old to watch the same stuffy crowd year in and year out pretending that they're caring, 
               compassionate people for a few hours when we are both well aware of the hypocracy taking 
               place behind closed doors. You know I brought the video of Lucy and Scott's intimate evening at 
               home with me again if you'd rather.....'' 

               ''Enough,'' Kevin shouted standing up and charging at Ryan with all of his might only to fall back 
               upon impact with the bars. Glaring up at Ryan from the ground, Kevin wiped the blood from his 
               scraped face as he spoke menacingly. ''I'm not going to let you get away with this.'' 

               ''That's the fun part Kev.'' Ryan chuckled taking a step back and staring at Kevin coolly. ''I already 
               have.'' 

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               Lucy Coe directed her attention away from the memo she was typing on her lap top computer as 
               she stared out onto the clear, blue water before her. Shifting positions on the red and black 
               checkered blanket, she cast her eyes in the direction of Serena and Scott down the way playing 
               an active game of frisbee down the beach as the breeze fell upon her. Uncrossing her legs after 
               waving to Serena, she turned her focus back to her memo. 

               Inhaling the warm, summer breeze, she set her computer down next to her and leaned back on 
               her arms feeling her sun's heated rays beating upon her skin as she envisioned the last time 
               she'd spent on that very beach. Losing herself in the memory, she brought her hand to her face 
               softly caressing the her cheek as the scent of his cologne filled the air around her. Sweeping the 
               hair out of her eyes, she leaned back indulging on that moment in time when they'd been 
               together. 

               ''Lucy, where are you taking me?'' Kevin questioned as she stood behind him checking the knot 
               on the scarf she'd tied around his eyes to blindfold him earlier in the evening as she helped him 
               out of the car. ''Is all of this necessary?'' 

               ''Doc, I want to surprise you.'' she explained closing the door behind him as she lead him forward. 

               ''I understand that, but do I really need to be wearing a blindfold?'' he questioned unsure of his 
               surroundings as he held onto her hand tighter. ''So what exactly are you up to Lucy?'' 

               ''I'm not telling.'' she replied fighting to suppress her amusement as she released his hand for a 
               moment watching him remain still listening to her movements. 

               ''Not even one little hint.'' Kevin pleaded flashing her a pouty lip as he tilted his head slightly. 

               ''Nope, not even one little smidgen of a hint. Just trust me Doc.'' she whispered leaning forward 
               and pressing a feathery kiss upon his lips. 

               ''Mmm.....that was nice,'' Kevin replied with a smile as she traced the outline of his upper lip with 
               the tip of her finger, ''but somehow I get the feeling that was supposed to be a distraction to keep 
               me from asking too many questions.'' 

               ''Perhaps,'' Lucy whispered in a low, seductive tone as she pulled him towards the bench before 
               them and guided him into his seat. ''Just relax and let me take care of you.'' 

               ''Lucy, what are you doing?'' Kevin questioned feeling her remove his loafers and black socks as 
               he felt the tingling sensation of her finger sweep across the base of his foot. ''That's it. I'm taking 
               this thing off.'' 

               ''No!'' she cried out hopping up to prevent him from removing his blindfold not wanting him to ruin 
               the surprise. ''I promise that I'll behave myself.'' 

               ''Not too much I hope.'' Kevin replied easing back into his seat as Lucy removed her sandals. 
               Noting that Kevin was comfortable, she stood up and tossed their shoes into the trunk of the car 
               before returning to capture his hand in her own. 

               ''Come on Doc.'' she urged helping him to his feet again as she headed towards their 
               destination. 

               ''Lucy, why am I suddenly struck with a strange feeling?'' Kevin questioned stepping forward 
               feeling the tiny grains collect in between his toes as he moved along the loose ground. 

               ''Shh.......just trust me Kevin.'' she insisted as he tugged on her arm gently causing her to face him 
               once again. 

               ''Lucy, I trust you with my heart and soul. Don't you know that by now?'' he questioned trying to pull 
               her near to him. 

               ''Oh Doc, you don't know how much that means to me.'' Lucy replied brushing his cheek lightly as 
               a lump formed in her throat and tears filled in her eyes. 

               ''I love you Lucy.'' Kevin whispered kissing her hand. 

               ''I love you too Doc.'' she answered choked up with emotion as she pulled him along further eager 
               to show him the surprise that she'd planned for him. 

               ''Is that water I hear?'' Kevin questioned feeling a softness underneath his feet as the cool night 
               winds picked up around them. 

               ''You're very perceptive Doctor.'' Lucy replied moving in behind Kevin and untying the silken scarf 
               covering his eyes to reveal the moonlit coast before them. 

              ''Lucy, it's magnificent.'' Kevin gasped in awe as he gazed out into the slow rolling tides before 
               them. 

               ''I wanted us to spend some quality time together Doc.'' Lucy explained whispering in his ear as 
               she lazily massaged his back. ''We spend so much time inside looking out that I figured it was 
               time for us enjoy the view from here.'' 

               ''It's wonderful Lucy.'' Kevin sighed bringing his arm around to pull her in front of him as he gazed 
               her over underneath the pale moonlight. ''You're wonderful Lucy.'' 

               ''I love you so much Doc.'' she whispered as he seized her lips in his enclosing the gap between 
               them as they joined together underneath the stars. Enfolding his arms around her, Kevin slowly 
               pulled Lucy down to the ground never breaking the spell between them as they made love 
               surrounded by the sounds of the crashing tide. 

               Closing in on the morning light, Lucy had found herself nestled against Kevin's secure chest as 
               the two gazed out into the blooming horizon wrapped inside of the thin, soft blanket. Pausing for a 
               moment to seal the memory in her mind, she had turned to Kevin taking his hand in hers as she 
               spoke. 

               ''Kevin Collins, from this moment on, I don't ever want these feelings to end.'' Lucy began placing 
               delicate kisses upon his finger tips. ''The love that I feel for you in this moment will last forever.'' 

               ''Lucy Coe,'' Kevin whispered turning her around to look into his eyes as he spoke from his heart. 
               ''Nothing will ever change my love for you. You've filled my heart and soul in a way I'd never 
               imagined possible. You're the air that I breath and up until I met you, my life was filled with 
               emptiness, a void that I never imagined would be filled.'' 

               ''Oh Doc,'' she began as the tears rolled down her cheeks, ''being with you is a dream come true. 
               You've changed my life and helped me to become the woman I've always wanted to be and I can't 
               wait to become Mrs. Kevin Collins.'' 

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               Tracie Richards glanced in her car's rear view mirror making sure that her brunette wig was in 
               place as she painted on her last coat of exotic mango lipcolor. Blotting her lips, she blew a kiss at 
               her reflection realizing just how sleazy she looked as she stared at the worn down building before 
               her. 

               ''Thomas Mediva.'' she muttered pulling out the sheet Avery had given her about this creepy 
               assylum. ''Well, it says here, the cheaper the better, so hear it goes.'' 

               Tracie opened her car door and stepped out into the mild afternoon surrounding this upstate 
               hideaway she was about to infiltrate. Setting her car alarm, she moved forward listening to the 
               sound of her heels clicking on the sidewalk as she remembered the perfume she'd purchased for 
               the occasion inside of her purse. Reaching deep into her purse pocket, she ran her fingers 
               through feeling it's contents when she felt a hard jab causing her purse's contents to spill to the 
               ground. 

               ''Damn it!'' she cursed glancing up at the man in the long, brown trench coat who'd knocked into 
               her. 

               ''I'm sorry.'' He replied apologetically leaning down to help her pick up her things. ''I didn't see 
               you.'' 

               ''It's allright.'' she replied looking into his cold brown eyes for a moment sensing that she'd seen 
               this man before as he handed her the last of her things. 

               ''Once again, I didn't mean to run into you.'' he added quickly taking off down the walkway as 
               Tracie watched him rush into his car. 

               ''Hmm, oh well.'' she shrugged refocusing her attention on the task at hand as she turned to the 
               Shady Towers Insane Assylum ready to dig into it's mysteries. 

               ''I wonder...'' she trailed off ringing the bell as she stood at the front step. ''Just what are you hiding 
               behind these doors Mr. Mediva.'' 
               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               ''Please someone....anyone.....I know you're out there.'' Kevin bellowed from his cell scratching 
               away at the cold, dirty floor as the darkness took over again. ''Please, I need to get out of here.'' 

               Kevin pulled himself to his feet feeling his head spinning as the world crashed in around him. 
               Struggling to keep himself together, he reached out into the metal bars fighting to discover some 
               hidden escape as he thought of Lucy. The more he struggled to break free, the harder it became 
               for him to comprehend his surroundings. The pounding in his head intensified as he moaned in 
               frustration feeing despair setting in upon him as he heard the faint sound of footsteps in the 
               distance. 

               ''Hello,'' he called out hearing the growing sound as he struggled to see through the thick darkness 
               enclosing him as he noticed the same shadowy figure he'd seen days earlier. ''Please, you must 
               help me get out of here. I don't belong here.'' 

               Kevin paused as the man stepped forward holding a tray of food in hand as the man avoided any 
               form of eye contact. Kevin pulled forward reaching for the man, but was greeted with empty air as 
               the man drew back dumping the tray's contents onto the floor with his sudden retreat. 

               ''Please I know you can hear me.'' Kevin begged watching the man turn away as he clenched onto 
               the bars. ''At least tell me where I am. Let me know where he's taken me. Talk to me.'' 

               ''I'm sorry,'' the man spoke up turning to face Kevin for a brief moment before scurrying away 
               down the exit as Kevin fell to the ground sobbing uncontrollably feeling his life flash before him as 
               he noticed the black and white newspaper photograph on the ground before him. 

               ''Oh Lucy,'' he cried out touching her face as he held the newspaper close to him. ''Lucy.'' 
               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

               ''Lucy,'' a voice called out to her as she was greeted with a cold splash of water awakening her 
               from the dream she'd been having. She removed her sunglasses to find Scott standing before her 
               with a pail of water in hand as Serena sat in the distance building a sand castle. ''You looked like 
               you were about a million miles away.'' 

               ''I must've dozed off.'' Lucy explained watching Scott turn off her computer and put it back in it's 
               case. ''What are you doing?'' 

               ''Making sure that you quit moping and start having a good time.'' Scott informed her with a goofy 
               grin as he quickly pulled her into his arms charging towards the water. 

               ''Scott, put me down this instant!'' she shouted pounding on his back as he continued to race off 
               towards the tide. ''I mean it!'' 

               ''Serena, I think it's time for Lucy to go for a swim.'' Scott chuckled tossing Lucy into icy cold water 
               fully clothed. 

               ''Why you!'' Lucy began with a sneer as her head resurfaced above the cool wetness. 

               ''Come and get me!'' Scott teased as Lucy leapt after him seeking revenge when she suddenly 
               stopped dead in her tracks struck with a terrifying feeling. 

               ''Lucy, what is it?'' Scott questioned taking note of her sudden stop as he waved over to her side. 

               ''I just got the strangest feeling.'' she explained as her thoughts drifted to Kevin once more. 

               ''Is it a cramp?'' Scott asked reaching for her as she closed her eyes. 

               ''Kevin.'' she called out overwhelmed with fear as Scott touched her arm pulling her out of her 
               trance. ''No!'' ''Lucy, are you all right?'' Scott repeated concerned with her reaction as she fell back 
               into his arms. ''Lucy?''