As the alarms still sounded around them, it was the monotone sound of death that rendered all frozen. Even as the doctors and nurses flooded the room, their actions all seemed be in slow motion.

Michelle felt her tears methodically trickle down her cheeks and drop from her chin. They were coming so quickly that there wasn't time to wipe them away. She looked on as the crash cart was frantically pushed into Danny's room.

She heard the tortured cries of Danny's mother calling his name; she watched Albert cradle Jenny in his arms as she sobbed uncontrollably; she felt a strong pair on hands come to rest on her shoulders, but in some odd way it was like she was standing outside of it all desperately praying that this was all some very bad dream.

"I NEED ALL OF THESE PEOPLE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY!!!" Dr. Hacker bellowed.

The nurse's vain attempt to empty the room only pushed the doctor's anger further.

"GET OUT!!!! ALL OF YOU NOW!!!"

Ross was the only voice of reason in the room, "I think we better go," he said as he made his way behind the group shell shocked by the chain of events that had just taken place.

Ben stepped off the elevator in time to hear the "code blue" page being sounded over the hospital pa system. It wasn't until he heard the room number that he stopped dead in his tracks. The number belonged to Danny's room.

The thoughts he entertained were extensive. Any number of scenarios could have played out. He couldn't stop himself from wondering just who it was that was dying in that room. Given the caliber of things it could very well have been anyone.

He should have turned tail and run but his morbid curiosity got the better of him. He had come this far he couldn't stop now. His ever-growing greed pushed him forward even when his better judgment told him to stop, so what was a few more steps? The likelihood of Michelle Bauer still being alive wasn't very good leaving him with very little to be concerned about.

As he rounded the corner all that was about to change when he caught sight of not only Michelle but Ross as well. Instantly his mouth went dry as he tried in vain exact some, any kind of damage control for himself. As quickly as a plan of action began formulating in his mind was a quickly as it was dashed as he saw Bernardo and his son there also.

"Damn!" he hissed.

"He can't die....he can't die.....he can't die," Michelle's soft voice repeated, "He can't die not now. Not when we were so close to having it all.........."

"YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANYTHING!!!" Carmen's voice hissed.

In all that had transpired, Michelle had almost forgotten she had even been there. It was then that the true realization hit her. Carmen Santos had come within inches of killing her but had succeeded in doing her son in instead. Suddenly a fire raged within her. The story of what this woman had done to her family left such a bitter taste in her mouth. The words circled her over and over again. She killed her own nephew and her own husband. That was something that Michelle couldn't wrap her fragile mind around at the moment.

"NO CARMEN!!" Albert growled breaking into Michelle's thoughts, "IT'S YOU WHO WILL NEVER HAVE ANYTHING! I think it's time that justice was finally served. Bernardo, Nino," Albert nodded to the two men still holding Carmen tight within their grasp.

"What you think you can just have me disposed of?" Carmen questioned as her eyes darted between the three men.

"More then can.....I will," Albert said completely enjoying the terror that filled her eyes, "See Richard and Miguel didn't know what was coming and for that I am glad, but you on the other hand.....I want you to feel every painful detail of your demise!" Albert said his voice full of lustful vengeance.

"Mr. Sampson, what are you doing?" Ross asked even though he already knew the answer.

"Something that obviously should have been done years ago."

"You understand what you are saying and that you are saying it in front of an attorney no less?" Ross questioned.

"Oh Ross, always the man of the hour," Ben said beneath his breath as he listened to what was taking place just beyond the corner.

"Mr. Marler, I don't give a damn if you are God right now. This is Santos business. And as Danny's attorney you are sworn to hold what happens in the Santos family as privileged information...is that not correct?" Albert asked using Ross's own words against him.

"But......"

"No, isn't that what you told me earlier today?" Albert forced.

"Yes," Ross finally relented.

"Then might I suggest that if this isn't something you wish to partake of that you find somewhere else to be?"

"I am not leaving without Michelle," Ross said.

"She stays with us," Albert countered, "You heard Daniel yourself. She is his family. She stays right where she is."

"SHE WILL NEVER BE FAMILY!!!!!" Carmen seethed. "SHE KILLED MY MICK!!!!"

Albert strode forward to where Carmen was. His rage came forth in the form of a hard slap that sent her reeling back against Nino's shoulder.

"Albert!!" Jenny gasped at his violent display.

"As you killed my son and my brother," Albert said suddenly completely composed, "So you are not family either, if you ever truly were. And seeing as you are not family, there is no code to honor. We," he motioned to himself and Bernardo, "are free to do whatever we feel is necessary in the face of a threat to our family's existence. Isn't the right Bernardo?"

"You wouldn't?" she said knowing full well they would. This had been a day that Bernardo had wanted for so long he could taste it.

"We would and we are. I assure you Carmen....you will get what you so richly deserve," Albert smirked.

Ross finally had heard enough. This wasn't at all what he had in mind when he had been pretty much forced into being Danny Santos' attorney. As much as it pained him to walk away and leave Michelle standing amidst all of that he was powerless to stop it. Moving away from them all was when he ran smack into Ben who was still lurking at the corner of it all. He had a look on his face of someone who had just witnessed a train wreck and was sickly enjoying all the destruction.

"I knew that was you," Ross said looking Ben squarely in the face.

"So you are now a Santos attorney. Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?" Ben still possessed an uncanny way of pushing all of his brother's buttons. "I bet it was something knowing what you did and still having to be a party to Danny Santos's little game with his mother." Ben hoped in baiting Ross he would get the information that he had been holding for Danny. Carmen hadn't been very forth coming with what she thought her son held over her head.

"No more so then you. I say the game you were playing will have far higher stakes then mine ever had," Ross's words cut to the core of what Ben already knew. That he was treading on thin ice.

"And your point is? I actually am here on behalf of Michelle. I was concerned for her safety." Ben feigned concern.

"Did you forget who it is you are talking to Ben?" Ross laughed shaking his head, "Who's kidding who here? If you think that this poor attempt at twisting the events is going to help you, I might say think again."

"Ross, your lack of belief in me stings," Ben said in mock desperation.

"I know that you told Carmen about Michelle and exactly where she could be found. You aren't fooling anyone, least of all me. Sad to say I know how that sick mind of yours works. You will use every angle to your best advantage. I have no doubt that you did that in this instance as well."

"I am an attorney just as you are brother. I am well aware of what would happen to me should I have chosen to give up that privileged information."

"Save it for someone who is buying it. Since it certainly isn't me. And be assured that I will do my best to make sure that you never practice law again. That is if the men around the corner don't see you as a threat as well and....................."

"What? Is that concern I hear in your voice?" Ben stifled a laugh.

"Hardly."

"Then what? Not to worry as you so aptly put I know how to make the best of a bad situation."

"Apparently that's what Carmen Santos thought as well and I don't think that you will be wanting what she's about to get. If I was you I would make myself scarce."

Why Ross was giving the man who had destroyed his marriage a heads up he didn't know. But never the less Ben was still his flesh and blood. And in the end that had to count for something.

"Not until I secure what's rightfully mine."

"The only thing you are going to secure Ben, is a one way ticket to hell." On that somber note Ross left Ben standing alone to ponder his words.

"Albert," Jenny's soft voice came from behind, "Are you hearing what you are saying?"

All of her emotions teetered between the person she knew herself to be and the person the currents events were turning her into. She could taste the revenge she wanted so badly for her son's death. It was a sensation that she had never been party to until now. The small voice of her conscious inched into her thoughts. All the things that she had fought those many years ago were dancing front in center in her head, but starring at Carmen was making it harder and harder not to let her husband do what he felt was necessary.

"Perfectly," he said never removing his eyes from Carmen's face which grew steadily more pale by the second.

"What's all of this going to solve?" she asked as another team on doctor's headed into Danny's room. The thought of losing Danny too was making it more and more difficult to let her voice of reason shine through.

"Isn't that obvious?" Albert turned and eyed his wife curiously.

"What's one more death going to solve?" Jenny said as the word death caught in her throat almost choking her.

"It will give this family peace of mind. It will assure us and Daniel that she can never hurt anyone we love ever again," Albert's voice cracked the pressure of it all finally getting the better of him, "If she's alive there will always be that possibility that she could turn up to wreak havoc on our family again. I WON'T HAVE THAT! I CAN'T LET THAT HAPPEN!!! I was too blind once but I won't be again."

"Albert, please think what this means for you. Think about how much all the killing has already cost you," she pleaded.

Albert searched the sea of faces all around him. This had cost each of them so much. He watched Michelle pace between Joe and Sarah. He couldn't help wonder how cruel could God actually be to her and Danny for that matter.

Danny had lived a lie for the better part of his life without even knowing it and as soon as he found the truest thing he had ever known his life was being cut short before getting to experience the greatness of it all. It just wasn't fair.

Then there was Michelle, a sweet and marvelous girl who brought light to everything she touched. She had been gone through so much in the last few months and now stood the chance to lose the man she loved more then life itself.

"WHY!?!?" Albert cried looking up hoping for some divine intervention.

"Albert?" Jenny came forward and gently touched her husband's shoulders.

"Why? I need to know why this is happening?"

"I'll tell you why?" Bernardo offered. "Carmen! She has never been anything more then a poor girl looking to make her mark. Miguel was too naive to see it. And look what that cost him. We can't let her get away with all she's done," he said through teeth clenched in anger. "It's time to settle the score."

Albert toyed with his words. Settling scores had always been his job. And settling this one would give him the greatest pleasure.

"Albert, you aren't that man anymore," Jenny said as if reading his inner thoughts, "You haven't been in years. Don't let Carmen rob you of all you have already gained. Don't let her take anymore from you then she already has."

Albert looked between his old life and his current one. Looked into the eyes of a woman who he had spent more then half of his life with then into the eyes of a woman who's only goal in life was to further her own twisted agenda not caring about the destruction left in her wake.

"I love you Albert."

With those words his decision was made in an instant. "Bernardo, I am no longer a part of this organization. Miguel made sure of that many years ago. Seeing as we all know that Daniel as well has no desire to either, I am asking in the memory of my brother that you afford him the same absolution that I was."

"Certainly."

"Then as of today the Santos Family will no longer have any ties to The Commission. We will continue on with the life we have made for ourselves. I assure you that we will never pose a threat to your way of existence as long as you do the same for us."

"Albert, you will always have friends should you ever need them," Bernardo affirmed.

"Thank you."

"And what about Carmen?" True to his nature Nino asked anxiously.

"Your father is the man in charge of things now. What he chooses to do I will not stand in his way. However I never wish to know of the action taken."

"Agreed," Bernardo concurred.

If she hadn't have held up by these two men, Carmen would have fainted. She knew that Albert's leaving her fate up to Bernardo kept his hands clean but also got him what he very much wanted.

"I'm very sorry about Daniel. He was a good boy," Bernardo said solemnly.

"HE'S NOT DEAD!!!!!" Michelle cried at his callous lack of emotion, "We haven't heard anything yet. We don't know what's been going on in there!" her hysterics had returned as Joe and Sarah did their best to calm her.

"Bernardo, I think it's time you were leaving. I will be in touch with the arrangements."

"NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Michelle screamed running at Albert will all she had, "HE'S NOT DEAD!!! HE CAN'T DIE ON ME!!!!"

Albert cradled her closely against his chest while an endless stream of tears fell from her soft brown eyes. "Look at me," he finally said drawing her eyes to meet his. "I know you know there is a distinct possibility that Danny could die. And as much as none of us want to hear this the fact that no one has come out to talk to us could be a very bad sign. I know how much you love him. I know that you didn't have enough time together but know that in the short time that you and Daniel were together....." Albert choked back his own tears, "You gave my nephew such joy and you were the best thing that ever came into his life."

All those around stood silent as the reality that Danny might very well be dead sunk in.

"Mr. Santos," Dr. Hacker said finally emerging from Danny's room.

"Yes?" Albert said his voice barely above a whisper.

"We have your nephew stable for now."

Albert felt Michelle go weak under his grasp at those words.

"However he is going to require another round of surgery."

"Why?" Joe asked as he and Sarah came closer.

"I am not sure what caused it but there was an aneurysm just below his heart. I need to go in and repair it and surmise how much damage it caused."

"Can we see him?" Jenny asked.

"I am sorry not at the moment. His pulse is quite weak and breathing is very shallow. Time is of the essence here. This time I can not in good conciseness let you in to see him."

"Do what you can for him please," Albert said.

"I will." With that being said Dr. Hacker and his team breezed down the hallway and out of sight.

Without thought Michelle walked back into Danny's room. It was already empty. No time had been wasted on prepping him for surgery again. She ran her hands over the sheets and pillow. Her tears blurred her vision. If she listened closely she could hear his words to her not more then an hour ago. He had loved her. Even after all that she had done he had still loved her. Michelle pressed her face into his pillow and breathed deeply. Even among the sanitary smells of the hospital, Danny's own scent still lingered there.

In a flash it carried her back to all the times she laid next to him. She thought how she absently would wind her fingers in his chest hairs and lightly run her fingers along his side making him jump. Her mind wandered to their first time together. She recalled how he had taken her to heights that she hadn't known existed before him. But there was more to their relationship then that. She couldn't explain it but there was a sense of them being one with each other. And now the thought of losing him was like losing the best part of herself. Just when Michelle thought there were no more tears to cry a new wave came.

"Michelle," Jenny said entering the room.

"Yes?" she turned to see the same look of despair she imagined on her own face looking back at her.

"There's nothing more we can do here. Dr. Hacker's nurse said the surgery could take hours. Why don't we go back to our house and try to get some rest?"

"I can't. I can't leave him."

"Honey I understand but making yourself sick isn't going to help Danny. I know my nephew and if he knew that you were running yourself ragged....well he wouldn't want that."

"I can't leave.....what....what if?"

"There aren't going to be any what if's! You hear me and understand that! Danny is strong and the love we have for him will bring him back to us."

"Jenny, I may only be a med student but I know what kind of surgery he's going to undergo. The survival rate isn't all that great," Michelle whispered thinking if the words were soft enough they didn't have to be true.

"I don't live life by the numbers and neither should you."

"Even when the numbers are overwhelming stacked against us?" she quipped angry at the world suddenly.

"Look at me!" Jenny forced. "You thought in coming here the world was stacked against you, right?" Michelle nodded, "And out of that you gained a great love......"

"Yeah to only have it taken away now," she countered.

"Only if you let it."

"Oh yeah like I have any control. I am beginning to think I can't control a damn thing!" she shouted pacing the floor again. She reached for the end of Danny's hospital bed to steady herself as the room began to spin beneath her.

"Michelle, honey are you all right?" Jenny asked concern in her tone.

"Yeah...yeah I am fine. Just a little light headed is all."

"See you do need to rest and get something to eat. When was the last time you ate something?"

"I don't remember."

"Then I really think you need to come home with us."

" I really think I need to stay here."

"If you won't do it for yourself then at least do it for Danny. I know he would be beside himself to know that you weren't taking care of yourself."

"Jenny, please understand, I can't leave. Not without knowing that he's going to be okay. I just can't."

"I'll stay with her," Sarah said now entering the room.

"You both look like you could use some rest," Jenny said.

"We'll be fine." Sarah said taking her friend in her arms, "Come on, there is somewhere we need to go."

Michelle let Sarah lead her from Danny's room still clutching his pillow against her chest.

Apprehensively Michelle followed Sarah inside of the small chapel within the hospital. It wasn't that she didn't believe in a force greater then what she could physically see, however since her mother's death and all that followed it Michelle didn't put much stock in divine grace.

She watched Sarah walk to the tiny altar and rows of lit candles, lighting one of her own as she stood before them. She didn't know if she was still in shock of all that had ensued or it was just the fact that God had done very little in answering her prayers up until this point that caused her to silently scoff at Sarah's actions.

After lighting the tiny candle in the red glass votive, Sarah then knelt down, signed a cross and bent her head in prayer. Michelle couldn't bring herself to move forward. There were so many thoughts coursing through her mind. So many unanswered prayers. She couldn't imagine adding even one more to the list. Especially not one of such great importance to her.

"Michelle," Sarah's voice permeated the silent room, "Come join me. Light a candle and say a prayer for Danny."

"Why?" Michelle said dryly.

The question caught Sarah off guard. She searched for an answer. To her it was only second nature to turn to God when the burden she was carrying was too heavy to do so on her own.

During her childhood, Sarah was well aware that church had been the rock on which her mother had clung to when it seemed like all hope was lost. And at this very moment, Sarah had the very same feeling. She knew that whether Danny was to live or die was out of their hands. The man upstairs was the guiding force now.

Sarah looked at her friend. The vacant stare that looked back at her brought tears to her eyes. Michelle was a lost soul. A sudden shell of the vibrant person that she had come to know and love. Sarah could only imagine the toll her life had taken on her.

"What makes you think that he," Michelle pointed upward, "even gives a damn about my prayers?" Her biting words made Sarah realize just how much Michelle truly needed to be there. "He hasn't yet," Michelle quipped.

"That's not true," Sarah countered guiding Michelle into the first row of pews.

""Give me a break! Oh yeah my prayers have been answered,," she gasped, "Let's see my father cheats on my mother…..and his infidelity more or less caused her to die. So at the tender age of twelve I am left without a mother and a father I despise. Oh yeah but the jokes still on me see cause all my making my father's life a living hell forced him to move half way around the world and then when I really did need him he never so much as gave me a thought," Michelle's voice grew louder with each sentence, "Okay let's see then there was Jesse. Jesse was to be the man that I was to spend the rest of my life with but Drew Jacobs had other plans."

"Michelle," Sarah interrupted, "Stop."

"Why???? There is so much more that I have to be thankful for," she laughed sarcastically.

"Yes actually there is," Sarah countered quite seriously.

"You are kidding right?"

"Hardly."

"Oh I can't wait to hear this," Michelle listened to her words and her tone and couldn't help but wonder who the person was speaking them. She didn't recognize herself at the moment. Too many things in her life had been turned end over end that she couldn't move passed all the rubble to find the center of her world again.

"Michelle, I know life has given you a raw deal………."

"You too," Michelle countered cutting her off.

"In some ways yes."

"In all ways," Michelle forced, "You mean to tell me that you didn't pray for your mother to get better. That you didn't ask the all mighty to make her well?"

"Of course."

"Well look where that got you. SHE'S DEAD!!!!" The second those angry words fell from Michelle's lips she regretted them. The look that Sarah wore on her face was a sheer pain. Yet Michelle didn't know how to stop herself. Her own pain clouded her better judgment.

"Yes she is," Sarah spoke softly trying to remember that Michelle was scared and angry and overlook her hurtful words.

"So what makes you think I want to light a candle and pray for Danny? When we all know how this is going to end up?"

"Because you don't know how this is going to end."

"I have a pretty good guess."

"Michelle! STOP THIS!!! Look how Danny has fought the odds already. He could have very well died from the gun shot wound he sustained but he didn't. He could have died the minute that heart monitor flat lined, but he didn't. So now why do you suddenly think that he's not going to keep fighting?"

Michelle turned away from her friend as the tears silently made tracks down her already tear stained face. She couldn't let herself believe Sarah's words. She wanted to be prepared for what she knew was going to happen. She was about to lose another person she loved. Absently she wondered what it was about her that made her so undeserving of love.

"Michelle," Sarah placed her hands on Michelle's shoulders as they rose and fell with her sobs, "Prayers work. I know that for a fact. You were right I prayed for my mother to get better every day, but then one day I was suddenly praying for her suffering to end. She was in so much pain I couldn't bare it any longer. So I finally found the courage to let her go. Then I found you. You were like my guardian angel. I didn't ask God for you. He just gave you to me freely. Now I thank him everyday that my mother had the sense to send me to Texas. I am thinking now it wasn't so much to meet a man who's only tie to me was that he gave me life but to meet you." Sarah now choked on her own tears.

"I'm sorry," Michelle turned to face her friend. The first true friend that she had every really had. "I didn't mean what I said about your mom…….."

"Don't worry about it. I remember the stage you are in right now so well. It's okay to be angry. It's okay to wonder what the hell this life is for. But God isn't up there with a score pad. He's not like that and I think you know that Michelle."

"I want to believe that. But right now I seem to be on the losing end."

"I don't believe that. Yes, your life certainly didn't turn out the way you had expected it to. It never does. I know you have lost a great deal but look at all you have gained."

"Gained? I lost my mother, basically lost my father as well. He may be alive and well but in most aspects he is dead to me. I lost Jesse. I killed a man. I lost what little family I had left when I had no other choice but to move to Texas. I could very well lose Danny…….."

"Stop right there. Danny is what you gained. You said you loved Jesse. But without what Jesse's hurt you would have never found Danny."

"I killed Danny's brother. A really great way to start a relationship don't you think?"

"And Danny has forgiven you right?"

"Yes," Michelle whispered still unable to believe that he had done that.

"Then I have to believe that the events that led you here were supposed to happen. Everything that happens in our lives shapes the person we become."

"You sound like my mom," Michelle smiled.

"See so maybe both of our mother's are looking out for us," Sarah smiled back.

"Yeah maybe."

"Do you want to light that candle now?"

"In a little bit. Do you mind if I sit here for awhile?"

"No, I'll go grab us something to eat. I did promise Jenny to take care of you."

Michelle stood up and embraced her friend tightly. "Thank you. Thank you for being my friend."

"The thanks is mutual."

"Matt!?!?!" Sarah said stunned to see him sitting across from the Chapel, "What are you doing here?" she questioned. After what had happened earlier, Sarah hadn't expected to see him so soon, if ever again.

"I thought we should talk."

"I am pretty sure we have said all we needed to say to one another. You made your position very clear. And so did I. I don't really see what there is for us to talk about."

"How about the fact that I love you?" he stated.

"What?" she returned breathless.

"I love you Sarah. And I am sorry for losing my cool with you before."

"So are you telling me that suddenly you have changed your mind about Albert and Danny?" Sarah wasn't trusting his words just yet.

"Yes…..no….hell I don't know what to think about them really. All I do know is that I love you. And if this is where you need to be then I need to be here too."

Sarah stood her eyes riveted to his face. She wanted to believe him. As much as she hadn't expected to fall in love with him, she had. And walking away from him earlier had been the toughest thing she had done. It took all her strength not to run into his awaiting arms. To let herself be buried in his safe embrace. Yet she hung back not wanting to have another argument about her decision to stand with Michelle and the others no matter the cost. Sarah was certain that her friend's state of mind was far too fragile at the moment to withstand being the cause of but another upheaval in someone she cared about life.

"Sarah?" Matt questioned.

"Huh?" she said pulling her mind back to the matter at hand.

"Did you hear me?"

"Yes."

"Then why so quiet?"

"I don't know what to think."

"Why?"

"Not so long ago you were hell bent on making me see that the Santos' and Michelle were monsters and suddenly you want me to believe that you have changed your mind? I don't think so."

"I love you Sarah. That's all that really matters. All the rest is not important."

"Matt, you don't believe that anymore then I do. Your opinion couldn't have changed in a matter of minutes."

"I don't want to lose you Sarah."

"I think you already have."

"What?" he said flabbergasted.

"You heard me. Your declaration of love doesn't change the feelings you harbor for the people I hold dear. You are stuck in some Mob Movie mentality……….."

"Well they are the MOB!!!!!" Matt's anger bubbled again, "You don't have a clue what you are in for!" he scoffed.

"And you do?" she countered.

"I know that you are walking into a mine field if you keep up this friendship with a marked woman."

"I would have to say we all navigated the mind field rather nicely thank you…..except maybe Danny," she whispered still hearing the low sound of his flat line ringing in her ears.

"What? What are you talking about?" Matt questioned.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but this isn't some Mafia movie. This was real. Danny's mother had a gun pointed at Michelle. She would have killed her if Joe and I hadn't walked in…….."

"OH MY GOD!" Matt came forward and embraced her tightly. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. It's Danny and Michelle I am worried about. If Danny dies….his mother may as well have killed Michelle too."

"Danny dies????"

"Danny flat lined. He's back in surgery. Things aren't looking too good right now. I really should get Michelle something to eat and get back to her. I don't want to leave her alone for too long."

"What are you her protector now?" Matt said with an edge in his voice. He couldn't stop the visions of Sarah being caught in the crossfire from dancing across his mind. No matter what was going on with them at the moment he did love her.

"Not hardly," she countered with her own angry tone, "I am her friend."

"I just don't want you to be a dead friend."

"Matt," she gasped.

"Well it's true."

"Threats have been taken care of."

"Like I believe that."

"I was right there when it happened. Danny's mother I can assure you posses no more threat to anyone."

"And how do you know that?"

"I have it on good authority that's all I am going to say."

Sarah suddenly felt as though she was part of the Santos family. And knowing that Matt would never feel the same led her to be closed mouthed. It was funny how loyalty worked she thought.

"Who's authority?" he asked.

"Matt, I really don't see any point in continuing this conversation."

"But Sarah…….."

"No Matt."

"Is this the end?" he questioned knowing full well the answer.

"It ended the minute I walked away from your car."

"But I love you…….." he cried out in desperation.

"And I love you too. I just don't see us ever getting past this. I am sorry."

"So am I," he relented seeing the determination in her eyes. "Please take care of yourself," he said leaning in to kiss her gently.

"I will." She wiped a tear from her eye as she watched him make his way to the elevator.

Michelle sat watching the tiny flames flickering in the dimly lit chapel. Their light caused red reflections to dance off of the cream walls.

The ideas that Sarah planted in her mind were slowly taking root. What if everything in her life had been preparation for what was coming next? Each disaster shaping her to be the person that she was to become.

She thought back to all the lessons that Maureen had taught her. How to look as someone for who they were inside not the facade that they portrayed on the outside. That advice had made Michelle willing to look past the person Jesse had been when they first met. It had let her love him rather then be fearful of him.

Even though Jesse had broken her heart, he had also healed it as well. It wasn't until that very moment that Michelle let herself remember that. It had been much easier to just remain angry with him. But in the chain of events, she was certain that Sarah was right. Everything that had happened to her had been the lead in for meeting Danny Santos. Even Mick's death. As hard as it was for her to comprehend something so horrific blooming into something so wonderful it had.

Michelle carefully walked forward to the rows of candles. Taking a slender match in hand, she lit a candled and knelt down.

"Dear Lord," she began, "I wish I could say that I have the faith that Sarah does. I want to believe that you have a bigger plan for us. But please don't let my lack of faith take away from the fact that Danny deserves a second chance. A chance to make a life outside of the pain I know his mother and the others have caused him. I am asking this for myself as well. I love him. I need him. Please Lord, please do whatever it takes to keep him in this world," she cried softly.

Sarah stopped short at hearing Michelle's words. A smile filled her face. She was glad to hear that Michelle had taken their talk to heart. She had a long way to go in believing in the greater power the way Sarah did, a start was still a start.

"Michelle," Sarah said softly not wanting to startle her.

"Hi."

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes," Michelle smiled.

The minute that she had lit that candle and spoke those words a sense of peace filled her. It was something that she couldn't describe and wasn't ready to completely believe in but the relief that she felt was welcoming.

"I am glad. Would you like to go get a bite to eat now? I don't want Jenny saying that I didn't take care of you."

"Actually I don't think I could eat anything even if I wanted to. Could we just stay here?"

"Michelle, when was the last time you had something in your stomach?"

"I don't even know. I just can't think about it until I know that Danny is going to be okay."

Sarah understood Michelle's reasoning but she still looked so pale that it was difficult for her to agree with her friend.

"I'll make you a deal. If we don't hear anything in a half hour we go to the cafeteria and get you something."

"Okay," Michelle relented.

The pair sat in silence for sometime both lost in their own thoughts and prayers. Michelle mulled over the things that had happened in her life while Sarah's thoughts wondered to her conversation with Matt. She could feel her heart breaking but her head knew that she did what she had to do. There would have been no way for them to repair the damage given the fact that she knew that Matt's opinion wasn't about to change no matter what his words were.

The sound of the voice overhead startled them both from their respective worlds.

"Would Albert and Jenny Sampson please report to the surgical waiting area. Albert and Jenny Sampson to the surgical waiting area……."

Michelle and Sarah instantly looked at one another neither wanting to think about what could be next. Sarah squeezed her friends hand.

"You ready?" she asked.

Michelle took a deep breath before answering, "I don't know," she said looking back at the altar hoping that this time her efforts were not in vain.

"Things are going to be fine. I just know it."

"I wish I had your confidence," Michelle said looking back as the door swung on their exit.

Michelle steeled herself upon entering the waiting room seeing Dr. Hacker still in his scrubs. She swallowed hard around the lump in her throat.

"Dr. Hacker," she said, "How's Danny?" her voice was meek.

"I need to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Sampson."

"Please Dr. Hacker," she pleaded, "You must know something."

"Do you know where Mr. and Mrs. Sampson are?" Dr. Hacker continued without answering the question at hand.

"They went home to get some rest," Sarah spoke up knowing full well that Michelle wouldn't be able to make a coherent thought at the present moment. The doctor's lack of compassion for Michelle irked her.

"Can you get them back here?" he asked.

"I am sure we can, but first could you please tell us about Danny's condition?"

"I really need to discuss this with his family………."

"Michelle is as much his family as Albert and Jenny are!" Sarah forced.

"Is he alright?" Michelle whispered.

Dr. Hacker eyed both young women before him. Nothing about this case had been orthodox so far why did he think it would start now.

"The surgery was successful."

Michelle let out the breath that she had been holding since she walked into the small room.

"Mr. Santos is still in for a long recovery but I believe that it will be a full one."

"Thank you," Michelle said relief washing through her. "Can I see him?" She had an immediate need to be with him.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?" Albert asked entering the room hearing the conversation.

"The last time I let Mr. Santos have visitors we all know what happened. He is my patient and right not I feel it's in his best interests to be left alone," Dr. Hacker said smartly.

"I assure you doctor there will be no problems this time."

"We can't afford to take any chances. Mr. Santos' condition could not withstand any further complications."

"Dr. Hacker," Albert said, "Michelle is the best medicine you could ever give my nephew." He pulled Michelle in close to him knowing that she had to be as elated as he himself was.

"Never the less I still feel that Mr. Santos needs more time before having visitors."

"Need I remind you that we are still his next of kin?" Albert forced.

"Need I remind you that it's against medical advisement if any of you enter his room."

"So noted," Albert countered.

It was hard to miss the fact that Dr. Hacker was irate as he walked out of the room. Yet it made no difference to Albert he knew he spoke the truth. Michelle was the one and only thing that Danny needed right now.

"I think it's time you went to see Danny," he turned to Michelle.

"Albert, I don't know. You heard the doctor. Maybe it would be better to wait. I mean he's been through so much already. I don't want to do anything to upset him."

As much as Michelle was jumping out of her skin to see him she couldn't stop thinking that maybe her presence would be a reminder of all that his mother had cost him.

"Upset him is the last thing you will do. He needs to know that you are alright."

"I'm alright?" she echoed.

"Yes you. Things were very out of hand. He needs to see that Carmen has done nothing to harm you."

"About Carmen…….."

"Enough," he said cutting her off, "Carmen is a name I never expect to hear again. I meant what I said earlier. We, the Santos Family, are out of the business."

"What if Danny wants to know?" she asked.

"When the time is right, I will handle that matter with him. It's nothing that you need to worry about. All that you need to be concerned with is Daniel."

"Albert……"

"Shhhh. Trust me. I know what I am doing." Albert looked away knowing that he had done what was necessary to preserve his family while still doing what he had to to ensure that he could live with himself.

"I'm………"

"I can go in with you if you want," Sarah added sensing that Michelle was apprehensive about seeing Danny after all they had learned.

"I would like that."

"You two go ahead. I need to call Joe and have him bring Jenny over."

Sarah and Michelle walked the corridor to Danny's room. Michelle rested her hand on the handle yet didn't enter. As much as she wanted to see him she couldn't bring herself to move.

"Michelle?"

"I'm scared. I have come so close to losing him so many times. What if this is all just a set up to the final curtain call?" Michelle said angst filling her voice.

"That's not true. Michelle your prayer was answered. Danny is here and he is alive. What you do now is up to you. There are no guarantees in life. We of all peoples should know that. Just make the most of what God has given you and the rest will fall into place."

Michelle hugged her friend tightly then pushed the door open. Danny was lying still. She pulled up a chair to his bed and reached for his hand. This time however the coldness that she once felt was no longer there. He was warm to her touch. Tear instantly pooled in her soft brown eyes.

"Danny," she said softly, "Can you hear me? It's Michelle." Michelle looked at Sarah who was standing next to the door. Her eyes pleading for some any response from him.

"Just keep talking to him," Sarah offered.

"I love you Danny. I have never loved anyone as much as I do you. You are going to make it through this. Dr. Hacker says you will make a full recovery." Michelle's voice shook as she tried to stop the tears, "I thought for sure I was going to lose you. I couldn't bare that. Albert said you were too strong to give up…….."

"Michelle," Danny's hoarse voice questioned.

"Yes…yes Danny it's Michelle."

"Thank god. I thought I had lost you," he remarked opening his eyes finally.

"NEVER!" she gasped.

"Carmen was going to shoot you," he strained.

"Danny, please don't. I promised the doctor that I wouldn't let you get upset."

"I'm not. I just couldn't remember what happened."

"I am fine. That's all you need to know right now."

"I love you Michelle."

"As I love you."

Michelle laid her head against his shoulder as she thanked God for the one prayer that had been answered.