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Kyle’s apartment “Hmmm… that was something,” Kyle smiled to Krystina after kissing her. “I missed you, do you know that?” “I know. I missed you too. I hated when you left the mansion like that. But I was so confused at that time.” She explained. “It’s okay, honey. The most important thing right now is that we are together again, and nobody will break us apart anymore, right?” He asked. “Yes, right.” She said quietly and Kyle noticed there was hesitation in her voice. “Honey? Is something wrong?” “No, no.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “Okay. That means you are going to move in permanently, right?” “Well, do you think that’s a good idea?” “Krystina, we are husband and wife now; we should live together.” “I know that, I know. It’s just that … “ “What? Honey, please talk to me. You know there’s nothing in the world you can’t tell me.” He gently caressed her blonde long hair. “It’s not that easy, Kyle. My father is still very weak. He thinks we broke up. And there is still… well, you know.” “What?” He asked. She felt uncomfortable. She loved Kyle and wanted to spend her life with him, but she could not ignore the reality. He was still unemployed, without money. She never worked one day in her life and was used to a high lifestyle, and Kyle knew that. “Honey, I know you’re a little worried because I’m not working yet, but I promised you we’ll solve this problem. We’ll find another apartment and I’ll start looking for a new job after Christmas.” “It won’t be easy; you have records at the police. Nobody will hire you in a decent job if he finds out about that.” 
“Honey, trust me. Maybe I did some horrible mistakes in my life, but it’s not like that I’m a criminal, you know that. And I’m sure I’ll find a good job. Okay?” “Okay. I believe in you, Kyle. I really do. I just want us to be happy, that’s all.” “We will, baby. I promise you, things will change, you’ll see.” He said and Krystina nodded. “Taking about Christmas, what are we going to do tomorrow?” He knew there was a family dinner at the mansion. But he also knew he wasn’t welcome there. “I don’t know. I would like you to accompany me to the dinner my parents give, but …“ “But your family won’t accept that.” He finished the sentence. “Kyle, my father still doesn’t know anything about us. He thinks I dumped you. I can’t just walk in and tell him ‘hey daddy, I’m still with Kyle, and by the way, we got married.’.” “So, you are going to join them without me?” 
“You want to tell Blake about us?” He asked, knowing the answer already. Krystina looked at him, not saying anything. “That’s what I thought.” He remarked disappointed. “Hey, that’s not fair. You know I would do everything to convince my family to accept you.” “Still… I have my doubts.” “Well, let me try it. I’ll find a way to be with you tomorrow. You’ll see.” A Hotel somewhere in Denver “Who is it?“ The woman called after she had heard a knock on the door. “Room service. I brought you the newspaper you asked for, ma'am” Came from the other side of the door. She hurried over and opened it. “Thank you.“ She said, grabbing the newspaper. She had closed the door and started going through the papers immediately. She was looking for a detailed article of the incident at La Mirage and Blake Carrington’s current condition. The Denver Chronicle featuring a major article about the incident read: Oil Tycoon Blake Carrington survives fire hell in hotel. From the article, she learnt that Blake was back home with his family taking care of him. He seemed to be better, but the reporter speculated about a longer absence of the old tycoon in the business world. She needed to get in touch with Blake herself. She wanted to know how he was really doing. Luckily she knew exactly whom to contact to get Blake's private number. “This is Patricia Harrison.“ She said after her old friend’s secretary had picked up the phone. “I would like to speak to Patrick Hobbs.“ “Just a moment please.“ The secretary connected her. Patrick was an old friend of Patricia. She knew him from her time in Los Angeles. Since then they had never lost contact and called each other every now and then. Oddly enough, she had learnt that Patrick had moved to Denver a year ago and now was president of a daughter-company of Denver Carrington. He also became one of Blake Carrington’s friends. Two minutes later Patricia Harrison had gotten Blake’s private number and was just about to call him, when she suddenly hesitated. Was that really a good idea to see Blake now? She had just learnt from Patrick that Blake was still weak. This was probably not a good time to confront him with a blast-from-the-past. But Patricia somehow wanted to let Blake know that she was back again. She held the receiver to her ear and pressed 0 for the reception. “Yes, Mrs. Harrison?“ “Miss. Please have a bunch of yellow roses sent to Mr. Blake Carrington’s mansion.“ She said and smiled.  Denver Memorial Hospital- Miles recovery room
Amanda was sitting beside Miles, holding his hand, and caressing his face. The doctors had left moments earlier, after informing Amanda that Miles passed through the surgery easily enough, but his condition was still critical. Miles had lost a lot of blood over the past few days, and during the delicate operation on his lower valve inside his heart, he began hemorrhaging. The surgeon was able to stop the internal bleeding, but the rest was up to Miles’ own body. The tricky thing was that his body wasn’t producing white blood cells fast enough to fight the infection that was sitting in, and he had a hair line cut inside the lower chamber of his heart, and normally a person’s blood cells would clot, but because of Mile’s tremendous loose of blood his wasn’t clotting. He needed a blood transfusion, but because of his blood type, and the special antigens in his blood stream, only an exact match was possible. “Oh Miles, you have to come back to me.” Amanda uttered, a gentle hand brushed her shoulder, causing Amanda to sigh, and she turned to see Jeff standing behind her. “I just talked to the doctor, I know we are only cousins, but I have type O blood, maybe I might match just enough to help him along.” “Thank you Jeff.” Amanda said, still holding Miles’ still hand. “But I think that Monica might be Miles only hope. I left her a message, but I didn’t want to alarm her. I just said that I needed to speak with her as soon as possible.” “Would you like me to call her again?” 
“Yes.” Amanda smiled, telling Monica, and Sable about Miles’ condition was something she didn’t want to do. “Thank you Jeff.” “I’m on my way to the office. I’ll call her there.” Jeff bent down and kissed Amanda’s cheek. “I’ll check on the two of you later. Amanda kept hold of Miles’ hand, “I love you.” She whispered.  Delta Rho
Steven put his watch on, grabbed his jacket and was about to pick up his briefcase. "Hey dad, where are you off to?" Danny asked entering Steven's bedroom. "To ColbyCo for a few hours. Alexis needs me. We have to clean some things." Steven explained. "But you'll be home for dinner, right?" Danny asked. "Of course, I'm still not going back to work full time. Champ, what's wrong?" Steven realized something was definitely on his son's mind. "Is everything alright between you and mom?" Danny asked worried. "Yeah, everything is fine." Steven smiled. "Really? You two had horrible fight last night; I've never heard you yell at each other that way." Danny continued. "We scared you, didn't we? I'm so sorry. It did get a little out of hand. It has been a while since we argued like that." Steven smiled wearily. "You and mom have never argued like that, the things you said to each other …" Danny shook his head. "We have, but you were too young to remember. I didn't threaten to kill her, did I?" Steven asked teasing. "Dad really!" "There were times." Steven smiled. "I don't understand, you and mom love each, how can you threaten to kill her?" Danny asked horrified. "How do you feel about LB or Ashley right now? Don't you just want to strangle them?" Seven retorted. "Yeah of course, not that I would…Oh I get it!" Danny figured it out. "When you love someone so much and they hurt you badly, you can hate them as much as you once loved them." Steven continued. "You and mom are good friends now, right? So maybe there's hope for Ashley LB and me. Doesn't it seem possible?" Danny dismissed his thoughts. "Lovers don't become friends, Danny." Steven stated. Danny looked at his father puzzled. Steven smiled. Last night scared him too. Not the argument itself, but what happened afterwards did. Could he and Sammy Jo ever be just friends? "Don't worry, your mom and I are fine. Where is she anyway?" Sammy Jo was already gone when he woke up. "She said she was going to see Jim and check on Miles." Danny said disapprovingly and immediately regretted it. "Oh, really?” Steven didn’t look too happy. “So what are your plans?" He asked changing the subject. "I might help Tony with the new follies." Danny explained. "And after that? Are you staying for Christmas, before going back to school?" Steven asked. "Dad, I haven't decided if I'm going back to Princeton yet." Danny stated. "Danny please, don't let what happen ruin your future. You're letting LB and Ashley win." "Dad…" Danny tried to stop him. "Let me finish. Going back to school is the right thing to do; getting away from Denver and the bad memories. Trust me I've had my heart broken a few times." "I'll think about it." Danny stated. "Do it! I know it seems like the end of the world and you can't make the pain go away. It does get easier, champ." Steven assured him. "When?" Danny asked desperately. "It takes time…" Steven smiled. "I better get going. Don't worry, everything will be fine, especially with your mom and me. Go back to school." "But mom is going to need me now that she's pregnant." Danny stated. "Oh no, don't use your mother or me as excuse. Stay for the holidays and then go back. I'll take care of your mom. Ok?" "So, what are we doing for Christmas?" Danny asked. 
"Actually Krystle thought it would be nice if we would come to the mansion and celebrate together." Steven replied. "Can't we stay here? I don't want to meet Ashley and LB there…" Danny explained. "I know champ but after everything we been through in the past few weeks, it would be nice to spend some time together. We’ll talk about that later, I have to go now. Bye.“ Steven said and walked out. “Bye, dad.“ Danny said and sat down. Maybe it was better he would leave Denver right away ...“ Danny thought to himself. 
The mansion, Blake’s and Krystle’s bedroom
Blake knew he still had to rest and that made him nervous. He was used to be busy and taking care of his business. He might had aged a bit, but he was still very active. So he had decided to make a few phone calls at least. That, Krystle had allowed him. He just finished a call with his lawyer Andrew Laird, when Gerard entered the room. He carried a huge bunch of yellow roses that almost covered all of his face. Blake noticed the card attached to the flowers as Gerard put the vase down on the desk. “Who sent those?“ Blake asked and walked over to read the card. “I have no idea Mr. Carrington. The delivery man said he didn’t know who sent them.“ The majordomos shrugged. Blake wrinkled his forehead a bit. “Thank you Gerard,“ he said and put his glasses on to read the note. “Get well soon – See you around. An old friend…” Gerard almost bumped into Krystle and Krystina as they came through the door. “Ooops,“ Krystina said and gave him a smile. Then she smiled at her father. “Hi Daddy.” They hugged. “Hello beautiful,” Blake replied. He immediately forgot about the flowers. He was happy to have his daughter back in his arms again. She had finally come to her senses and returned home. He had been very angry and scared when Krystina had been around that criminal Kyle. If anything would have had happened to her because of Kyle, Blake would have most probably killed him with his bare hands. “Wow! Those flowers are beautiful.” Krystina suddenly spotted the bunch of yellow roses. “Oh, those...” Blake said and he remembered that he didn’t know who had sent them. “Yes, very nice.” He added. “But there is nothing more beautiful than my wife and my daughter. And with the whole family reunited on Christmas, you make me the happiest man alive!” 
“Well, I’m not sure if everybody can come.” Krystle said. “Amanda might like to stay with Miles at the hospital.” “Yeah, and Danny might not make it either.” Krystina added. She was sure that her cousin was not going to show up when LB and Ashley were around. “Nonsense! Everybody will be here.” Blake replied. “The family must come together. It’s Christmas.” Krystle and her daughter looked at each other and knew that Blake was serious about that. Krystle smiled at her husband. “Alright. I’ll see what I can do. I’ll call everybody and tell them that a loving father and grandfather is insisting on having them under the Christmas tree. And Krystina will help me with the preparations.” “I’m sure it will be a terrific reunion.” Blake said and kissed his wife. “Let’s get it started then.” Krystina said before she left with her mother. Blake was happy, but already a bit tired again. He would lie down for half an hour. He looked on the flowers again while he walked back to his bed. Yellow roses! He took the note out from his pocket. Signed: An old friend... a friend or fiend, Blake wondered and wrinkled his forehead. Somehow, he sensed that this was more than just a get well present from an old friend. Outside Blake's room “There are still so many things to prepare.” Krystle said to her daughter after they had left the bedroom and went downstairs to the kitchen. “I’m sure Jeanette and Gerard will help you to deal with everything, and I’m here too.” Krystina said smiling. She wanted to show to her mother how anxious she was to celebrate Christmas with the family, hoping she could convince her mother of the idea, that Kyle belonged to this family now too. “I’m really happy that you came back home, Krystina. It’s mean a lot to your father and me to have you here.” Krystle said smiling, when they entered the kitchen. “Actually mother, that’s what I wanted to talk with you about.” Krystina began. “What?” Krystle asked. “I will be here tonight, but I’m not coming alone.” She said carefully. “Oh?” Krystle wondered. She couldn’t imagine, that after all what they had discussed Krystina would bring up the Kyle subject again. “I want Kyle to join us tomorrow.” Now it was out. She finally had said it. “What?” Krystle couldn’t believe it. 
“I know you still don’t like him, but I talked with him. He didn’t know anything about Lindsay. He wanted to tell dad that he suspected her to plot against him, but he didn’t know that she planed to kill you. I believe him and I want to give him another chance. And I want you to do the same.” “I don’t get it. We talked about that already. You sent him away. Honey, why do we have to start it all over again? He is not the right man for you, we’ve been there already!” “Still. Kyle is my husband now, I’m obligated to give our marriage a chance. I learned that from you and dad. You always told me that the family is the high priority, and Kyle is my family now.” She tried. “Krystina! You know my answer already.” “Please mother, it’s Christmas. Can’t you give him another chance? One dinner, that’s all I’m asking for.” “No. Your father thinks you left the guy. I won’t tell him that you went back to him; not mentioning that you got married. No! I won’t do this to him” “I’ll talk to him, maybe he’ll understand?” “No, you will not.” “Mother!” “Krystina, I said no!” “I love Kyle!” “He is poisoning your mind! Can’t you see what he’s doing?” “No, I only see what you are doing. I’m trying so much to be fair to you and make you happy, but you remain stubborn and heartless!” “We just want the best for you, honey.” “No you not, because Kyle is the best for me. He is my husband and I expect you and your dad to respect that.” She raised her voice. “Keep your voice down, Krystina. And listen to me.” Krystle grabbed her arm. “You are not going to say anything to your father about that, do you hear me? It would kill him!” “Okay, but don’t expect me to be here tomorrow.” Krystina replied. “You will be here, Krystina.” “Not without Kyle!” Krystina yanked her arm free of Krystle’s grip and walked off. 
“Krystina, where are you going?!” “I’m moving in with Kyle, my husband!” She said and walked out, leaving Krystle desperate. She sat down and tried to think of what to do next, when the phone started ringing. Nobody answered until she picked it up. “Hello?” She asked nervously. “Hello, may I speak to Mr. Blake Carrington please?” A woman’s voice asked from the other side of the line. “Who’s calling?” Krystle asked. “A friend of him.” The woman answered. “Is he feeling better?” She asked. “This is Blake’s wife, who is this?” She repeated her question. Though the trouble with the Consortium was behind them, she was still very suspicious when people called and refused to identify themselves. “I’ll call later. Thank you.” Patricia hung up. Krystle put the phone back and wondered who this woman was… Denver Memorial Hospital - Miles's room Amanda awoke form a short nap. She was jolted awake by the door closing. “Hi Amanda, you look like you need this.” Fallon said, handing her a cup of coffee. “Thank you.” Amanda said as she took the cup. 
“Listen, I’m not good at apologizing, so I’ll make this quick.” Fallon sighed. “I’ve been watching you these past few days, and I think you really love Miles, and that’s good. He’s a wonderful man.” “Fallon, you don’t …“ “Yes, I do, I’ve been a fool.” She sat down next to her sister. “None of this is your fault. I was just upset. I’m glad Miles’ has you in his life.” Amanda hugged her sister, and Fallon looked away. “Oh Fallon, he has to be okay. I need him so much.” “Hey, you’ve been here for so long, Cathy has been asking about you.” Amanda wiped her eyes. “I have been neglecting her.” “Yes, so I’ll call and cancel all of my appointments for the day, and stay here, you go home and see your daughter.” “Are you sure?” Amanda took Fallon’s hand. Fallon nodded. “Thanks. I really needed that.” When the door shut, Fallon picked up her phone, and dialed a number. “Mr. Rameries please.” On the other line a voice answered. “Hello?” “Hi Roman, Its’ Fallon Colby, I’m so sorry to have to do this, but could we postpone the signing today?” “Well, Fallon, the papers are all ready. We just need to dot the eyes, and cross the T’s.” Fallon looked at Miles. “My family needs me today. I promise you that after Christmas. I will sign all the right papers, and we can get down to business.” “Okay it seems I have no other choice. I’ll have my people call yours.” He hung up the phone, and Fallon took Miles’ hand. Inside Romans office he slammed the phone. “Damn it all to hell.” He threw the papers that were on his desk aside. “Well Fallon Colby, you may have postponed your demise for a few days, but soon there will be nothing left to stop me.  Paris, France - Monica's Suite
The silence of the living room was shattered at the shrill ring of the telephone. Monica and Dex were off each in their own world, but it was Cameron who jumped up to answer the phone. “Colby residence, Cameron speaking.” “Hello Cameron, its Jeff. How are you?” Jeff’s voice flowed through the over seas line. “I’m great Jeff, how are things back home?” Cameron asked, secretly he had been missing Denver. “Things are good here; may I speak to Dex or Monica?” “Sure,” Cameron handed the phone to his father. “This is Dex speaking.” “Well hello, stranger.” Jeff said. “Jeff, how are you?” “I’m doing better now.” Jeff sighed “We read about La Mirage, I’m glad to hear that Blake is fine. How is everyone else?” Dex inquired. “Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Miles had an accident. He’s in pretty bad shape. Do you think the four of you could come home?” “Is it serious?” Dex asked, Monica and Cameron attention perked up. Dex listened intently as Jeff finished. “I’m sure Monica will want to come as soon as possible, but I’m not sure about Sable. I’ll call you back when everything is finalized Jeff, hang in there.” Dex said as he hung up the phone. “What’s wrong, is it Blake?” Monica asked 
Dex took Monica’s hand, the past tension, and turmoil vanished form his mind. “Monica, I’m afraid it’s Miles. Jeff said that he’s been in an accident.” He quickly explained the situation, as when he was finished Monica collapsed into his arms crying. “Please we have to be strong for you mother, this could push her over the edge.” “I’m sorry Dex, but how are we going to explain this to her.” Monica said as she wiped her eyes. “You don’t have to.” Cameron, Dex and Monica turned to Sable who was standing in the door way. “I will be fine. I’ll be strong for Miles. Now Cameron, go and pack a suitcase, help your sister as well. Dex, you go and make the flight arraignments. I’ll pack our things.” She turned and left the room, leaving Monica, Dex, and Cameron speechless. As she shut the door to her bedroom the flood gates burst, and she began to cry. She took a sliver photo frame holding Miles’ picture, and looked into it. “Of all my children, Monica, Bliss, and Cameron, I’ve always held a special place for you. You had to fight to get into this world, you were so small, but you survived.” She wiped her eyes. “You’ll survive this as well. You have too, Miles; you’re a fighter like your mother.” Denver Memorial Hospital - Outside Miles's room "Oh gosh! I'm sorry. I don't know where my head is!" Fallon bumped into someone as she walked out of Miles' room. "Probably where mine is!" Sammy Jo answered, smiling. "Sammy Jo, hi!" Fallon was happy to see a friendly face. "How is Miles doing?" Sammy Jo asked looking through the ICU room glass where Miles was lying. "No change, he's resting." Fallon explained. "And Amanda where is she?" Sammy Jo expected to see her there. “She hasn't left Miles' side since he came out of surgery. I sent her to get some air." Fallon stated annoyed. "Good, she needed it." Sammy Jo didn't pursue the subject; she knew how possessive Fallon was of Miles. She sat down. "You look tired." Fallon stated worried. "Well being pregnant does that." Sammy Jo stated. "How are you feeling?" Fallon sat down next to her. "Fine most of the time, but Steven and Danny are driving me nuts." Sammy Jo signed. Fallon laughed, "Men, you think they were pregnant themselves." "Danny is mopping around all day! Steven is angry about something!" Sammy Jo shook her head. "Steven certainly proved that last night." Fallon signed. "I’m sorry about last night. I don't know what's going on with him lately." Sammy Jo admitted. "I'm sorry about this LB - Ashley mess." Fallon added. "Oh please, like we haven't done that ourselves. Even "saint" Steven." Sammy Jo retorted. "Maybe fatherhood scares him?" Fallon suggested. "If he is the father, it could be Jim's!" Sammy Jo explained. "Sammy Jo, you tramp! Personally I hope it's Steven's." Fallon stated. "I honestly don't know who would be a better father is better?" Sammy Jo stated. "I guess it complicates things between the three of you." Fallon agreed. "I don't want to go through it all again if Steven is the father. Even now when he’s staying at the ranch, all the decisions we made in NY have gone out the window. At least with Jim, I have some kind of future." Sammy Jo confided. "And you two can give the child a normal family." Fallon added. "Define normal?" Sammy Jo asked. 
"Tu-shay!" Fallon agreed. "Well, when the babies are born I'll know for sure. The question is what I'll do until then?" Sammy Jo said. "Have fun, think of yourself. Let them fight it out. They will anyway. Trust me I know. It's a painful process for every side." Fallon reminded her. "I know! At least both of them will be great fathers!" Sammy Jo smiled. "But lousy husbands." Fallon laughed. "You lucked out, you know." Sammy Jo joined in. "I know!" Fallon smiled. "Mom, here's your coffee. Hi Sammy Jo!" Lauren handed Fallon a cup of coffee. "Hi Lauren, how are you?" Sammy Jo smiled as Fallon thanked her. "Fine, so can we go now?" Lauren asked. She was bored. "Oh, honey I can't. Can we postpone this to another time?“ "But you promised. It's not fair! You've been putting it off for weeks!" Lauren yelled. “Besides, Christmas is tomorrow. When do you plan to go, next week?!” Fallon stood there helpless. "Lauren, why don't you join Krystle and me tomorrow? Sammy Jo suggested. „No thanks“ Lauren refused and turned back to her mother. “I bet if it was LB you wouldn’t say no. I hate you!“ Lauren shouted as she walked away. "Lauren..." Fallon called after her.  Alexis's penthouse
Alexis and Steven had talked about the strange thing with Caress’s last will and the upcoming board meeting. Alexis wanted to get back the position as CEO and with that, the control over ColbyCo as soon as possible. She was not going to take any chances, not this time. It still bothered Steven that his mother was not willing to open up to him about what had been going on between her, Caress, and Zach Powers and why it had ended in violence. She had sworn to god that she was innocent of her sister’s death and the attempt on Zach’s life, and he believed her. But he didn’t understand why things had got to this stage. What was the reason for the hatred between his mother and her sister, and how was Zach Powers involved in this story? Alexis had made herself very clear, that she didn’t want to talk about it, and Steven knew he had to take that. Alexis noticed discontent in Steven’s eyes. His mind was obviously on something other than the board meeting. “Darling, is something the matter? She asked. “No, mother. Nothing.” Steven brushed it off. “I’ll inform the board about the meeting and I’ll let you know about the exact date when I talked to them.” He said, preparing to leave. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “You can reach me at Delta Rho if something comes up.” “You’re staying at Delta Rho? Why?” Alexis asked in a very surprised tone. “I decided to stay until Danny goes back to Princeton.” Steven explained. “He’s going through a hard time and I want to be there for him.” “What’s the matter with him?” Alexis asked with concern in her voice. Steven sighted. “He just found out that the girl he loves, doesn’t love him back and ...” Steven paused for a short second before he continued. “And what makes things worse; she’s in love with LB.” “Oh god, I can’t believe it. Not LB!” Alexis said, feeling sorry for Danny. “Yes, he did not only lose the girl he loves; he also lost his best friend.” Steven stated. “How is he doing?” She inquired. Alexis loved all her grandchildren, but Danny had always been her favorite, like Steven had always been her favorite among her children. All the things she loved about Steven, his son had gotten from him – his gentle manner, his sincerity, his loyalty, and his sensitivity. “He’s deeply hurt, disappointed, and quite angry. It will take time for him to get over it.” Steven replied. Alexis put her hand on his shoulder. “Your son needs you now. Maybe it’s the best that you’re staying with him at Delta Rho.” “Well, what’s the other?” “Sammy Jo ...” Alexis’s facial expression changed immediately upon hearing the name of her former daughter-in-law mentioned. “What is with her?” She asked coolly. 
“She’s pregnant. The doctor warned her that she needs to be especially careful, and that’s why I promised to help her with the ranch.” “Sammy Jo is having another baby? Oh... Well, of course it’s very generous of you to help her, darling. But what is with the father of her baby?” Alexis was curious. “It’s me.” Steven said even though he wasn’t sure about it. He had considered telling Alexis the whole truth, but in the end decided not to do so. He knew pretty well how his mother felt about Sammy Jo, and the uncertain paternity was surely not going to help to improve the relationship between Alexis and Sammy Jo. “And actually she’s having twins.” Alexis listened to the news with mixed feelings. She loved the idea of Steven becoming father again, but she couldn’t help but have reservations about her son being involved with his ex-wife again. She hesitated for a second, but then embraced her son, smiling. “Congratulation, darling. I’m very happy for you.” He returned the embrace. “Thank you, mother.” “I wasn’t aware that Sammy Jo and you are that close again.” Alexis said, not hiding that she wasn’t thrilled about it. “You know how I think about her and we still do have our differences, but she’s the mother of your children, and the news are the best Christmas present I can think of, even though I have to admit it comes as surprise.” She stated with a slight grin. For a short second Steven doubted if it had been the right decision not to tell her about the possibility that the children were not his, but he pushed this thought out of his mind. “Yes, it was a surprise, for me too.” Steven agreed, being glad about Alexis’s positive reaction. “Speaking about Christmas, when are you leaving for Rio?” He inquired, wanting to know some more details about her plans over the holidays. “You mean the party of the Spencers? Well, I’m not going.” She replied plainly. Steven looked at her with surprise. “I canceled it. Caress is only dead for a few days. I think it would be out of place. Besides, I really don’t feel like Christmas this year. I’m quite busy with the funeral arrangements. As soon as the authorities release her body I’m bringing Caress home to England.” “The funeral will be in London?” Steven asked. “Yes, that’s the last thing I can do for her.” She replied. “If you need help, I’m there for you. I hope you know that?” Steven assured her. He could understand that she wasn’t in the mood to attend lavish parties, but he didn’t like the imagination of his mother spending the holidays alone. Steven had an idea, but first he needed to talk with his father. “I’ll see you at the office in the morning. Good night, mother.” “Good night, darling.” After Steven had left, Alexis slid open the door to the terrace and stepped out into the cold winter night. She leaned over the railing and looked down at the streets below. Fear and sorrow welled up inside her as she tried to imagine Caress’s last minutes. She closed her eyes and saw her fall. Why hadn’t she noticed how desperate Caress was that night, so very desperate that she saw her own death as last resort. Alexis opened her eyes and stared into the space while recalling her last conversation with her sister. Something didn’t add up about her suicide. Caress hadn’t been desperate at all that night. On the contrary she had been very self-assured, self-controlled, and full of hatred. What had really happened? Was is possible that her death was no suicide after all, but murder? There was only one person who could answer this question, but this person was dead. Delta Rho
Steven slammed the door as he entered the house. Sammy Jo exited from the kitchen with a smile. But her smile vanished as she noticed the serious expression on his face. "Do you mind explaining to me, what the hell you were thinking when you went to visit Jim?" Steven asked as he entered the living room. “Well good evening to you too.” Sammy Jo said and went back inside the kitchen. Steven followed her. "Let me remind you that the man helped to plot against your family, help betray your son. Not to mention how much he hurt you. You can’t possibly think about giving him another chance. He'll just hurt you all over again. Be sure!" Steven yelled. Sammy Jo continued ignoring him, which only infuriated him further. "I'm the one he slept with last. He came to tell me how much he wants to be with you and ended up sleeping with me. He's going to break your heart again. He doesn't deserve a second or a third chance. You shouldn't trust him." Steven went on. "Are you done? After all the second chances you've given me, don't tell me it is not the same thing. I love him and he might be the father of the children I'm carrying. So, he deserves the chance to prove himself to me and to them." Sammy Jo stood up. "Look, I’m, sorry for yelling at you. I just don't want to see you get hurt again and he will hurt you. I know his type." Steven lowered his voice. "Do me a favor and stay out of this, Steven! It's none of your business." Sammy Jo sat back down. "How can you say that it's none of my business? You will always be a part of my life." Steven sat down next to her. "If I'm a part of your life, why don't you tell me what's wrong? You used to tell me everything. Please tell me, what is it?" Sammy Jo pleaded. Steven got up and stared at the fire blazing in the fireplace. "All this with Lindsay and LB and Ashley. I realized that it's all my fault. Matthew took Lindsay away from here. He found out about my affair with Claudia and left. I also killed him. I’m not better than LB. I betrayed a good friend, slept with his wife and ruined his marriage." Steven explained. "Oh Steven, that's not true. Claudia and Matthew had problems long before you met them. Matthew acted selfish when he took Lindsay away and didn’t contact Claudia. Remember when he came back, he didn't even ask about what happened to her. All he cared about was taking Krystle away." Sammy Jo got up and stood next to him. "It still doesn't excuse my behavior. I'm not better than LB." Steven signed. "You were young and confused. You and Claudia loved each other and you were sorry. I doubt that LB feels that way." Sammy Jo stated. Steven looked at her and saw the pain in her eyes. She never liked Claudia. "I guess that's why I got angry at Fallon, too many bad memories." Steven added. "I met her at the hospital, she understands. Not that what you said was wrong, but…"Sammy Jo started as she sat back down. "It wasn't my place, I know!" Steven sat down next to her. "Personally I don't think Ashley’s and LB’s romance will last long." Sammy Jo added. "Well with the examples they have, Jim Fallon and Jeff." Steven smiled. Sammy Jo was about to answer when her stomach growled. Steven laughed. "I have this craving for pizza, why don't we go out for dinner?" Sammy Jo smiled. "Fine with me! Where's our son?" Steven asked. "Taking a shower, I think!" Sammy Jo explained. "We scared him last night with our argument. Don't worry I calmed him down!" Steven explained. "He wasn't the only one scared last night." Sammy Jo knew she was entering deep water. "Well it's the first time I did it with a pregnant woman. I was okay, right?" Steven asked carefully. "You were wonderful." Sammy Jo smiled. They never had discussed this before and it was easier than she thought. "Just wonderful, not amazing? Well, we can practice again tonight?" Steven smiled. Sammy Jo chuckled, "It's nice to know you're up for it. Does that mean you'll be moving back to your apartment soon?" Sammy Jo asked. Steven frowned." Sammy Jo, I want to stay here and help you out during the pregnancy and afterwards." "Sure, but you don't have to live here. Steven, I love you and I'm here for you as a friend and a lover, but you need to get a life. You're not staying here, period. No buts." Sammy Jo explained. "I don't have a choice, do I? I can still stay here when I want to?" Steven asked. Sammy Jo smiled, "In what bedroom?" "Funny!" Steven teased back. Sammy Jo laughed. At that moment Danny walked in, finding his parents laughing. He smiled. Danny was thrilled. "Good evening all!" Danny stated. "Hey champ, do you feel like pizza? Your mom has a craving." Steven stated. "Sounds good! And dad, I have decided to go back to school soon. You can at least look surprised." Danny said. "So you're leaving after the holidays?" Sammy Jo asked. 
R “Danny, I hope it’s not because of the dinner tomorrow.“ Steven stated. “No, of course not.“ He lied. “Honey, I think you should stay.“ Sammy Jo said. “Krystle suggested that you and Ashley go together to the Christmas dinner, since Blake doesn't know yet. That way you can spend Christmas with the family, and Blake gets the whole family together.“ Sammy Jo suggested. “Mom! You can’t expect me to pretend I’m still with Ashley!“ Danny protested. “And besides, LB and Ashley will never agree to that.“ He added. “Well there’s only one way to find out.“ Sammy Jo looked at the telephone. Jim’s Apartment 
Ashley hung up the phone and turned to LB, a questioning look in her eyes. “No! No way!” LB was angry. “Do it for you grandfather’s sake, LB. Come on, don’t spoil the fun.” “Fun? You call this charade fun?” He became even more upset. 
“Don’t be like that, you know what I mean. It’s Christmas. It will be difficult for all of us, especially for Danny.” “What do you expect from me? Sitting by and watching you and Danny, playing the happy couple?” “Just for few hours, honey.” She passed her hand in his blonde short hair. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s all Danny’s idea, an attempt to get you back!” “No, it’s not. Sammy Jo said it was Krystle’s idea. She just wants to see the family reunited, for the sake of Blake.” Ashley said and looked at him. “Well?” Click Here to continue... |