“Are we sure it’s safe to go in?” Sydney asked, her hand on the doorknob. 
“Odds are she’s sleeping, so we should be fine,” Chris replied. 
Sydney pushed the door open and they walked in quietly, finding Karen curled up next to Scott on the couch sleeping. He was flipping through channels on the TV, but put down the remote when they came in. 
“About time you two got back.” 
“Is everything alright? Did something happen while we were gone?” Chris asked, worried. 
“No, she’s okay. I just stopped by to check on things and spend some time with my daughter. I didn’t expect to find her here all alone.” 
“Karen told us to leave. We would never…” Sydney defended. 
“Don’t worry, she explained everything to me,” Scott said, getting up, “She really does love you Ramsey. I don’t like it, but I’m going to try to deal with it, for Karen’s sake. Don’t screw it up, or I’ll hunt you down.” 
“I have no intentions of breaking her heart,” Chris replied simply. 
“Good, let’s keep it that way,” He warned, getting his jacket, “And you, I don’t know you, or what your plans are, but Karen’s determined to help you turn your life around. You better be willing to, because it would crush her if you skipped out.” 
“I am not scamming your daughter, Mr. Baldwin. She’s like a sister to me and I really care about her, so you have nothing to freak out about,” Sydney stood taller. 
“I’m glad to hear that. Karen’s needs people she can count on right now. After the hell I put her through, she can’t take much more,” Scott said, looking to his daughter, who was still sleeping. 
“Karen will just be glad that you’re serious this time and that you’re going to be her father. She really believes that you’re telling the truth.” 
“What, and you don’t believe me?” 
“Well Scott, for Karen’s sake, I really want to. Granted, we’re barely able to tolerate each other, but I think we should try to get along. It will make all this a lot easier if we’re not constantly at each other’s throats and second-guessing each other’s intentions,” Chris stated. 
Scott thought about it, and wasn’t so keen on the idea of making nice with Chris, but he knew it had to be done. 
“Fine, I’ll try to get along with you, for Karen. I should go, I have to call Gail to check on Serena and Christina. Let Karen know that I’ll call her tomorrow and that Serena sends a hug.” 
“Will do,” Chris agreed, walking to the door with him. 
“Oh and Sydney, I’m sorry about thinking you were just conning Karen. I see that you really do love her,” Scott admitted before leaving. 
“Wow, you should feel special. Baldwin isn’t known for apologizing and admitting that he’s wrong,” Chris told her. 
“He seems like an okay guy. Just totally lost in how to be Karen’s father, though he really wants to be. My father was there to raise me and he still had no clue.” 
“Mine was an abusive drunk who specialized in being a conman. The only think he ever taught me was how to scheme to get what you want and to get away from him as soon as I could.” 
“Wow, I had no idea. So, you and Karen both overcame awful childhoods. Makes my life look like a picnic.” 
“No…please don’t! No…don’t hurt me,” Karen pleaded in her sleep, tossing and turning. 
Chris rushed to her, stroking her face. 
“It’s alright, Karen, you’re having a nightmare.” 
“Don’t touch me! No…NO!” Karen screamed, waking herself up. 
She shot up, sweat pouring down her face, mixing with tears. Frightened, she looked around, seeing only Chris and Sydney next to her. 
“He was here, Chris, he wouldn’t listen to me!” 
“Who Karen, who was here?” He asked, holding her in his arms, feeling her body shake. 
“It was Ray, he was here and I kept telling him no, but he wouldn’t listen,” She sobbed. 
“Honey, Ray’s dead, you told me yourself. I promise you he wasn’t here and you were just having a nightmare.” 
“But it was so real, I could even smell the booze on his breath.” 
“It’s just the withdrawal, it causes your fears to work on overload. He’ll never hurt you again, you’re safe, baby,” He soothed, leaning back to look into her terrified eyes. 
“Please don’t let go,” She begged, grabbing him tightly, “Don’t let me go.” 
“I won’t, I’m here. Go ahead back to sleep, I promise I won’t leave you,” Chris laid back with her. 
He gently stroked her hair, until he heard her stop sniffling. Sydney finally spoke in a whisper. 
“What was all that about?” 
“Ray was her mother’s alcoholic boyfriend who molested Karen when she was a child. Someone killed him, but no one ever found out whom. Not many people know, I mean, she just told me a few weeks ago.” 
“That’s horrible…I can’t believe she had to go through that. No wonder she has nightmares. I don’t think I could ever get over something as traumatizing as that,” Sydney shuddered. 
“I read that she’s going to have extreme fears from detoxing from the drugs, but I never imagined this.” 
“Why don’t you sleep with her, I’ll take the cot.” 
“Are you sure?” 
“She needs you next to her.” 
“Thanks,” Chris said, kicking off his shoes. 
Sydney half-smiled at him before heading to the bathroom to change. 

As the morning sun danced on her face, Karen slowly opened her eyes to see Chris sleeping next to her. Sydney, who was also asleep, was curled up on the cot. Feeling slightly better, she thought it was about time to take a soothing, hot shower. She slipped out of bed and into the bathroom. Emerging from the shower, she threw on some clothes and looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled at seeing that the color had returned to her cheeks and her eyes no longer looked like she hadn’t slept in days. Stepping out of the bathroom, she saw that Chris and Sydney had woken up. 
“You look like you’re feeling better,” Chris said, kissing her. 
“A little bit, I just really needed to take a shower.” 
“Did you sleep alright?” 
“You mean did Ray come after me again?” 
There was an awkward silence, as neither Chris nor Sydney wanted to say the wrong thing. 
“Um, I should get in the shower, I have to run to the store,” Syd said quickly, and hurried into the bathroom. 
“Karen, I…” 
“Chris, it’s fine, you can talk about it. No, I didn’t have any more nightmares. With your arms wrapped around me, I feel like nothing and no one can hurt me.” 
“Hey, that’s what I’m here for,” Chris said, taking her in his arms, “To keep you safe and happy.” 
“We’ll you’re pretty good at it,” She replied, resting her head on his shoulder, “I probably scared Syd, though, didn’t I?” 
“She was okay. Ah, I hope you don’t get mad, but I told her about what happened to you. I know it wasn’t my place, but she was…” 
“After the way I freaked out, I’m not surprised. I’m not mad, Chris, I actually told her about it when I was in the hospital. I didn’t say too much, so that’s probably why she was so confused. I hate that I keep losing it in front of her,” Karen said, hugging her. 
“She’s handling it well. You’re really starting to rub off on her, she’s come a long way,” He said, brushing a piece of hair off her face, “How about I make us some breakfast? You name it, I’ll cook it.” 
“Not to burst your bubble, but, I’m really craving donuts.” 
“Donuts? I offer you gourmet cooking and you want donuts?” Chris pretended to be offended. 
“Please?” Karen begged, sticking out her bottom lip. 
“Oh alright! I’ll get you your donuts!” Chris gave in as Sydney came out of the bathroom, “That was quick.” 
“Not all women spend hours getting ready,” She informed him, “I’m going to run to the store and get a new sketch pad, I’ll be back soon.” 
“I’ll drive you. I have to go to the store anyway to get the Princess over here her donuts,” He said, making them both laugh and then taking his turn in the bathroom. 
“So, how are you?” Sydney asked, not quite sure of how to ask. 
“A little better, but you know how it is. The more you try not to think about the pills, the more you think about them,” She told her, making coffee, “Of course, it doesn’t help when childhood demons come back to haunt you. First the drugs, then the nightmares…next thing you know, a strip club will open around the corner and I’ll end up as the main attraction.” 
“Really? You’re that good?” Sydney took a chance at making a joke. 
Karen grabbed the dishtowel off the counter and threw it at her, nailing her in the face. The two of them started laughing. 
“Did I miss something?” Chris asked, entering the kitchen. 
“Oh, just Sydney trying to be funny again,” Karen said as Syd shot her a look. 
“Well then, shall we?” Chris said, kissing her before leaving with Sydney. 
Just as she sat on the bed, she heard a phone ringing. She found Sydney’s cell phone sitting next to the TV. She decided to answer it. 
“Syd, baby, I got your message, so if you’ve got the cash, I’ve got the pills,” A man’s voice said. 
“Who is this?” Karen demanded. 
“You’re not Syd, are you?” 
“No, I’m not and she doesn’t want what you’re selling, so don’t call this number again!” She yelled, ending the call and tossing the phone onto the chair. 

Karen was pacing the apartment, Syd’s cell phone in her hand, when the door opened. 
“Here are your donuts, sweetie,” Chris said, holding out the box, “What’s wrong?” 
“Why don’t you ask Sydney that,” She stated, holding up the phone. 
“What are you doing with my phone?” 
“It rang while you were gone, so I answered it, figuring I’d just take a message for you. I never thought it would be your dealer calling! You better call him back before he sells your stuff to someone else!” Karen yelled at her, throwing her the phone. 
“Are you using again, Syd?” Chris asked, concerned. 
“What? Do you honestly have that little faith in me?” Syd asked, obviously hurt. 
“I talked to this guy. He told me that he got your message and had the pills you wanted! Why, Sydney? You’ve been working so hard…” 
“Damn it, Karen, would you just stop for a second!” She yelled jumping into defense mode, “First of all, you have no idea what’s going on and second, I can’t believe you’re jumping all over me like this!” 
“What am I supposed to think?” 
“How about giving me the benefit of the doubt? I have done nothing to make you think otherwise. I have never lied to either of you…well, I did in the hospital, but not since then! How can you just all of a sudden think that I’ve turned on you? You don’t believe it, do you, Chris?” 
“I really don’t want to. I’m really hoping that you have a good explanation for all this.” 
“Should I even bother trying to give it, or am I just going to be accused of lying again?” She shot at Karen. 
“Oh no, I want to hear this. I really want to be able to believe you, Syd.” 
“Okay…yes, I did call Gage, and I did leave him a message, but not because I wanted drugs. I was calling to tell him that I wasn’t using anymore, so I didn’t want him to call me again. That’s not exactly the type of message you leave, so that’s why I asked him to call me and I guess he just assumed I wanted pills,” She answered sincerely, hoping they believed her. 
“That’s all?” Karen asked, studying Sydney’s face. 
“No, I’m making it up! Yes that’s all!” 
“Calm down, Syd, I believe you,” Chris said, touching her arm. 
“Yeah, but does she?” 
“Yes, Sydney, I do and I’m sorry I accused you. I just really care about you and the thought of you going back to drugs scares the hell out of me.” 
“Well, don’t worry, Karen, I’m not about to go and be an inconvenience for you,” She snapped, grabbing her jacket that she had just taken off, “I have to go meet Gail.” 
“Do you need a ride?” Chris offered. 
“I’ll walk,” She answered, slamming the door behind her as the phone rang. 
“Hello?…Hey Denise, it’s Chris…can’t Dr. Lambert take it? I’ve got my hands full here…” 
“Go ahead, Chris, they need you,” Karen told him. 
“Okay, I’ll be there soon, bye Denise,” He said, hanging up, “Are you sure, Karen? After everything that just happened?” 
“I’ll be fine, Chris, and Sydney’s with Gail for a little while. We’ll work things out when she gets home,” She answered confidently. 
“All right, I won’t be long, just call the hospital if you need me,” He said, kissing her before leaving, while she collapsed onto the couch. 

“But Daddy, why do you and Mom have to get divorced? Can’t you guys just say you’re sorry and make up?” Serena asked, sitting next to Scott on the couch. 
“It just doesn’t work that way this time. The only solution for us is to end our marriage. I just want to make sure that you know that you did nothing and this has nothing to do with you.” 
“Is it because Julie wants to take Christina away from us? Or because of what Karen did?” 
“No honey, it’s not because of your sisters. What did you hear about Karen?” Scott asked, trying to figure out how she found out. 
“I heard you talking to Grandma about Karen taking pills that made her sick and she had to go to the hospital. Can I call her to see if she’s feeling better?” 
“I think she’ll probably like that,” Scott agreed, picking up the phone to dial Karen’s number and making a mental note to explain things to Serena. 

The sound of the phone ringing woke Karen and she jumped up to answer it. 
“Hello?” 
“Honey, I woke you, I’m sorry,” Chris said on the other end. 
“No, it’s fine, I didn’t realize how late it is.” 
“I just wanted to apologize for taking so long. It got pretty busy in the ER and my incredible talent was needed, but I should be home in about a half hour. How’s the Sydney situation?” 
“She’s not back yet, and there are no messages on the machine. Her session with Gail is only an hour and it’s almost five o’clock!” Karen started to worry. 
“Okay, try her cell and if she doesn’t answer, try Gail. I’m sure she’s fine, Karen, she probably just wanted some time to cool off. I need to go, but I promise I’ll be home soon. I love you.” 
“I love you, too,” She hung up and quickly dialed Syd’s phone. 
No one picked up, so she tried her grandparent’s house. 
“Lee, hi, it’s Karen.” 
“Karen, how are you?” 
“I’m alright, um, is Gail there?” 
“Yes, one second.” 
“Gail, is Sydney with you? She hasn’t come home yet.” 
“Yes, she’s here. She was supposed to call you and let you know. She was pretty upset when she arrived for our session, so I invited her for dinner. I’m sorry we worried you.” 
“It’s okay, I’m just glad she’s safe. I guess she’s still pretty ticked at me then.” 
“You’ll work it out. Lee said he can drop her off after dinner on his way to a meeting.” 
“Thanks Gail,” She said before hanging up in time for the phone to ring, “Hello?” 
“Hey there, Girlfriend!” Serena exclaimed. 
“Well hello,” Karen smiled instantly, “It feels like I haven’t talked to you in forever.” 
“I know, I’ve missed you. Daddy told me you were sick, so I wanted to call and make sure you’re feeling better.” 
“Just talking to you makes me feel a whole lot better. So how are you doing?” 
“Well, I was really sad about Mom and Dad getting a divorce, but Daddy said that it’s not any of our fault and that I can still see Mom whenever I want to.” 
“Scott and Lucy are getting divorced?” Karen asked in shock. 
“Daddy said they just couldn’t make the marriage work,” Serena replied innocently. 
Karen was silent for a moment, trying to process what Serena had just told her. 
“Daddy wants to talk to you.” 
“Tell…tell him I’ll have to call him back, someone’s at the door,” Karen lied. 
“Okay, bye Karen,” Serena said, hanging up. 
She closed her eyes, trying to absorb what Serena had just told her, while the pain of not being told by her own father stung. Just when she thought things looked like they were getting better, the day went from bad to worse. Unable to take the silence anymore, Karen flipped on the radio. 

I’m not afraid 
Of anything in this world 
There’s nothing you can throw at me 
That I haven’t already heard 

I’m just trying to find 
A decent melody 
Something I can sing 
In my own company 

I never thought you were a fool 
But darlin’ look at you 
You gotta stand up straight 
Carry your own weight 
These tears are going nowhere baby 

Karen groaned at the lyrics, felling like the song was being sung to her. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore. 

You’ve got to get yourself together 
You’ve got stuck in a moment 
And you can’t get out of it 

She picked up the small radio and angrily hurled it at the wall by the door, just missing Chris. He ducked, slightly jumping at the sound of the radio crashing into the wall. 
“Whoa, I said I was sorry for being late,” Chris said, getting only a glare from Karen, “What’s wrong?” 
“Nothing…something…everything!” 
“Alright, I’m getting sick of seeing you like this. It’s time we got you out, Wexler. Get some clothes on and I’m taking you out.” 

Stuck In A Moment by U2 off their album All You Can't Leave Behind