A Love Lost, A Love Found
Parts 11-12
Springfield Police Station
Frank called the FBI to explain what he knew of the situation with Michelle. He assured them that she was safe and in no danger and had planned to stay with her husband. The FBI agent he spoke to said they would never close the book on the Santos. This worried Frank, as he cared about Michelle and didn't want her caught up any crossfire.
David Grant overheard Frank's conversation and decided to appoint himself Michelle's guardian angel. It was too late by the time he had found out about Michelle and Danny. He didn't know much about Danny, except that he had no record and was a college graduate…actually a pretty sharp dude. David knew what it was like to be judged just because of certain factors about one's life. He would give Danny the benefit of the doubt, but his main concern would always be to protect Michelle. He had promised his friend that he would always look out for Michelle. David decided to ask for help on this one, though, from someone he could trust; someone with a wealth of resources... "Hello, I need your help…no, no not her…Michelle Bauer Santos."
Millenium
Drew is sitting on the couch in the loft when Jesse comes in. "Michelle is alive." Flabbergasted and excited, Jesse squeals, "Really? Where is she?" "I don't know, Jesse. Probably with her husband," she says disgusted at his reaction to the news. "Right. So what happened?" Still hurt, Jesse can't help but wonder what's going on with his beloved Michelle. "Apparently, she was scared or unsure or whatever and went to the Bauer cabin. She had no idea about what was going on." "You know? This is so bizarre. Look Drew, I am going over to the Bauer's to make sure Rick and Abby are alright." "Don't you mean Michelle?" Drew says with a nasty tone. "What? What is your problem? Aren't you happy she's alive?" "Never mind. Can I tag along?" Jesse, still confused by Drew's attitude says "Sure thing," even though he is not really certain it is a such a good idea.
Towers
"Who is it?" "It's me mama. Pilar." Carmen opens the door to her suite and pulls Pilar into a protective hug. "I am so glad to see you." "Me too mama. Where's Danny?" Pilar frees herself from her mother's embrace and steps into the room. "I believe he is with Theresa. They left together after breakfast this morning." Carmen closes the door and walks over to the couch motioning Pilar to join her. Pilar sits down next to her mother. "I thought they had broken it off?" "Well, sometimes-true love conquers all, no matter what obstacles are put to a couple." "Are you suddenly a romantic, mama?" "No dear. I just know when two people belong together and Danny and Theresa are two of those people. Where are the rest of your bags?" "I have no more. I won't be here too long. Besides, if I need anything, I'll just buy it." "Of course. Well, go get settled in and we will discuss everything." "Okay." Pilar gets her bag and heads for her room. Someone is at the door again. "Who is it?" "It's me, Danny." Carmen opens the door. "Hello dear. Where is Theresa?" "I don't know. We went our separate ways after breakfast." He goes to pour himself a drink. "Oh. I thought you guys were going to hang out." "Hang out? I am not a kid. I am a married man and I recently lost my brother and home. You think I am worried about hanging out with my ex?" "My goodness! What happened to you? Where have you been? And correction. You are a widower and I think your ex can help comfort you." Carmen is caught off guard by Danny's abrasiveness. "You were married Danny?" "Hey peanut! When did you get in?" Danny is surprised and happy to see his little sister. He puts down his drink and they hug. "I got here this morning." Pilar won't let slide what she just heard even though she can tell Danny wants her to. "I'm sorry but mama just said you are a widower. What is going on here?" "Look I don't want to talk about it." Danny goes back to his drink. "Excuse me? You don't want to talk about it? First you and mama insist I don't come home for our brother's funeral and then you hide the fact that you are or were married. Plus the woman is dead. Oh we are going to talk about this." Carmen steps in, "Pilar, honey, your brother is still upset by the fire. That's all. Right Danny?" She looks at Danny for some help. She doesn't want Pilar to know anything that has been going on. But instead, Danny starts to get cryptic. "No. That's not all." "Well, what then?" Pilar now watching the faces of Danny and Carmen carefully. It is obvious that they are hiding something from her. "His wife died in the fire. Pilar let's talk about all this later." Carmen is not sure why Danny hasn't stopped this conversation. He knows Pilar is never to know anything about the circumstances of Mick's death...or the aftermath. And then all is made clear.
"She's alive." Carmen is stunned. "What did you say?" "I am not a widower. My wife, Michelle is alive."
The Bauer House
Abby knocks on Michelle's bedroom door. "Michelle, can I come in?" "Yes, Abby." "What's going on? Where is Danny?" "He left." Michelle sits back down on the bed. "Why didn't he come back downstairs to leave?" "Well, he left in a hurry." She sighs. "Actually, he's upset with me." "Why because he thought you were dead and you're not?" "That and some other things." Suddenly, Michelle just wants a break from this whole mess. "You know what? I think I want something to eat. Can we go make something?" "Sure honey." Abby doesn't want to push and they walk downstairs. There is a knock at the door. Rick gets it. "Hey Bill." "Hi, is Michelle here?" "Here I am. What's up?" "I just wanted to see how you were doing." "I'm fine. We're about to cook something-right Abby?" "Yeah. Do you want something to eat?" "Sure. I saw Drew today." Bill says turning his attention back to Michelle. "What did she say?" Bill knows she means did she buy the story. "I told her what happened" She could tell he thinks Drew bought the story. "She said she was going to tell Jesse." "Oh." "Are you okay Michelle?" Bill senses something has changed. "Did you talk to Danny?" "Yes. He was here. Abby can you start something...maybe soup and sandwiches? I need to talk to Bill." "Sure." Michelle and Bill go into the living room. "What's going on Michelle?" "I told him everything." "You did what? That guy is gonna kill us all!" Bill can't believe his ears. "I thought he would only kill me, but you're right. He said he was going to kill all of us," Michelle says trying to keep her voice light. "So let's go to the police Michelle and tell them everything." "I can't do that." "Why not? He told you he was going to kill us." "Bill, I don't think so. I think he is just hurt." "What are you talking about? You're not making any sense." "I also told Danny I love him and while he may be hurt now, he will not want to harm my friends or me. He loves me, too. Danny just has to get past this." "Michelle, you need to open your eyes and close your heart. The guy is dangerous. And what about Carmen…if she finds out any of this. Michelle exactly what did you tell Danny and do you think he will tell his mother?" "Everything Bill. I told him everything." "We've got to warn Drew and Jesse." "Well if I know Drew, and I do, she and Jesse will be here soon. So we can just wait for them here." "What is that supposed to mean?" "Look Bill, she is the whole reason I am in this mess. And I am not going to protect her anymore. All she has ever wanted was me out of the way so she could have Jesse. When Danny found out about Mick and I married Danny, she knew she had her chance." Suddenly, a thought occurs to Michelle. "Wait a minute." "What?" "Why didn't I figure this out before?" "What Michelle, what?" Bill is starting to worry more now. "Drew told Danny I killed Mick…" "Huh?" he interrupts. "…and conveniently left out her part. I never questioned Danny as to how he found out. It makes sense though. Danny said 'neither one of us told him' about Drew's part in Mick's death." "Why would she do that Michelle?" "Because, Jesse was leaving. She wanted to keep Jesse here. He was leaving to keep me safe and she wanted to keep him here for herself. Drew was never concerned about my safety. I bet she'll say she thought Danny had feelings for me so she didn't think he would kill me. Good ole, Drew. My so-called friend. Well I can at least thank her for getting me together with Danny. Because I do love him and I know in my heart he is the one." "Michelle, we still have to decide how to handle Danny. Do you think he will forgive you for the fire, too? And what about the FBI? That's a lot for even me to forgive. You don't know Danny well enough to know what he will and will not do. You can't handle Danny." "I'll handle him. I have to go find him. And make him understand. Bill he was great at the lighthouse this morning. He loves me. Danny did a lot for me when he just cared for me. Now he loves me. Do you think he'll just turn on me now? I know him. And he knows me." She smiles at the memory of their encounter this morning at the lighthouse. "I saw him with a beautiful woman this morning and was so hurt. He said that I was jealous and he was right. And he was jealous too. He thought I was in love with you…" "Me?" "…yeah. If not Jesse, then you. That said a lot to me about his true feelings. I am not afraid of Danny. No. He won't tell Carmen anything." "Michelle please be careful. Just because he loves you doesn't mean he won't hurt you." "I will be careful. Now let's go eat. I am not going to worry about this. It will work out. I can feel it." They go back into the kitchen.
The Church
Danny left a stunned Carmen and confused Pilar at the Towers suite. He just didn't want to talk about anything with them. But he did need to talk to someone. So he went to see his cousin Ray at the church. "Hey" "Hey, what's up? What was so urgent?" "Michelle is alive." "That's great! Where was she? I know you are so relieved." "Actually, I am mad as hell. She betrayed me Ray. I was actually grieving for the little witch." "What happened?" "Well, my wife, who now says she loves me, called the FBI, set the fire, AND confessed that Drew helped her kill Mick." "Michelle set the fire?" "Yep. She's been really busy, that wife of mine. Well I'm going to give her a permanent break." "Wait a minute Danny. You are not…" "Yes, Ray, I am." "But did she explain why she did these things?" "Oh sure. She was confused and scared. But it doesn't matter what her explanation is. She betrayed me. I love her and everything I have done recently has been for her. Mama said Michelle didn't love me and never would love me. She may have been wrong about that, but Mama was right about the fact that Michelle would eventually do something to hurt my family. And for that, she must pay." "Danny you are not Carmen. You can handle this differently. I am not saying that what Michelle did was right, but I can understand. She didn't mean to kill Mick and for her to protect Drew, well that was extremely unselfish on her part. And apparently she didn't want anyone to get hurt in the fire. I understand that no one was at the house. She probably called the FBI because she really was scared. Can't you see Danny? While you may think she betrayed you, she was only protecting her family and friends, just like you are always protecting your family." "It's not the same Ray." "Yes. It is. Put yourself in Michelle's place. One day your life is a train on a planned route and the next thing you know, that train derails and all hell breaks loose. But to keep this hell from affecting anyone else, you decide to go along with this derailment so that everyone else stays safe. Can't this analogy apply to both of you?" "Look. I saved her life by marrying her and she…" "And she saved her friends and family by marrying you. What's more, is you BOTH fell in love with one another. Wasn't this Jesse the love of her life? It seems to me that she found her true love while she was trying to hang on to Jesse and any feelings she had for him. She found you. Danny, go to her. Talk this through. Don't tell Carmen. This is between a husband and wife. Not a between a husband, his wife and his family." "She was never my wife. We never consummated the marriage. And it's not because the FBI showed up or that she was scared. Michelle didn't want me." "But that has changed? Right. And consummation doesn't mean everything. Give her a chance Danny. I'm sure you must really be important to her for her to just confess to all of this when she could've been gone from you and this situation for good." "Ray, I can't just forgive her. Whether I love her or she loves me is not the issue. She put this family in jeopardy when she called the FBI and destroyed our home with that fire. And now, Pilar is here. She is going to find out everything." "Pilar would have found out everything, eventually, Danny. You need to tell her now yourself before she reads about it in a paper or finds herself in a confusing situation. Tell me something, where is Michelle? And more importantly, does she want to stay your wife?" "Well, I left her at the Bauer's. She was supposed to come to Towers with me. I don't know now." "Does she want to stay your wife?" "Yes. So she says." "If that is true, you can best believe she has already contacted the FBI to get them off of the Santos' backs. I doubt if she wants them monitoring her life with her brand new husband whom she loves unconditionally." "I don't know if she loves me unconditionally, Ray. And how do I know this is not apart of her plan?" "What do you feel in your heart Danny? Go to Towers and wait for her."
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The Bauer House
"Hello, I'm home." "Dad!" Michelle runs to her father and hugs him tightly. Soon Meta, Rick, Abby and Bill join them. "I am so glad to see everybody, especially you Michelle." "Me too." "Where is everybody?" Ed Bauer asks as they move fully into the room. Rick replies, "They are all on their way. Which reminds me. What are we going to have for dinner?" "Well, I am certainly not up to cooking for a whole bunch of people. Why don't I reserve a room at Towers?" Abby offers. "Sounds good to me," Rick and Meta both say at the same time. Everyone laughs. Abby goes in the living room to make the call. The door is ajar and Jesse and Drew come in. "Hey everybody. Michelle." Jesse almost whispers her name. Michelle goes to the door. "Hi guys. Come on in. Jesse you remember my dad. Right?" "Sure. Good to see you Dr. Bauer." "Likewise," Ed says as he shakes Jesse's hand. Michelle motions towards Drew to introduce her. "This is Drew Jacobs. She owns the Millennium nightclub." Drew extends her hand, "Nice to meet you sir." And then starts right in on Michelle. "So Michelle, that was some stunt you pulled." "What are you talking about Drew?" Michelle did not want to get into anything with Drew. Not right now. Jesse interrupts, "she just meant how you are actually alive. You know we all thought you died in the fire. And…" "…and I didn't." Michelle cuts him off and gives Drew a look of warning. "We are about to eat. You guys want to join us?" Michelle says as she moves to help Meta with the meal, determined not get into it with neither Drew nor Jesse. "Sure," Drew answers. She is really curious to see exactly what is going on with Michelle and Danny. "Uh. So where is Danny?" "He had to run some errands. He'll be back soon, though. So how was your flight dad?" Michelle quickly changes the subject, not really wanting to discuss Danny. Especially not with Drew and Drew just doesn't seem to get this message. "It was good and I can't wait to catch up with my children. I also want to meet my son-in-law." Ed walks over and kisses her on her temple. She smiles at her father and says, "you will dad." Michelle can feel the eyes of someone staring at her. Abby comes back in the kitchen. "Okay, we have a 8 PM reservation in the Promenade Room. I will leave word at Company, just in case folks show up there looking for us. Rick, honey why don't you tell Phillip and Harley." "Sure thing." "I'll let my mom and Reva know, too," Bill says as he goes to the telephone. Ed adds, "well letting others know is a good idea. Just in case someone shows up after we're gone. I'll call Ross and Holly when Bill is done." Michelle is suddenly feeling weird. "I'll be right back everybody." She heads up to her room, thinking to herself. This is too weird. These same people would have been here for my funeral. Get it together Michelle. Seeing all these people under these unusual circumstances is the least of your problems. Something compels her to go her balcony door. She looks through the curtains and can see Danny walking away from her house. He was here?
I left. No one knew I was here. I watched her through the kitchen window interacting with her family and friends. She seemed so comfortable. Odd, considering her husband threatened to kill her this morning.
I recognized that older gentleman as her father from the pictures she's shown me. I should've gone in, but Jesse was there. She said she would always love him or something like that. I can't think anymore. Besides, I don't know if I am ready to confront you again Michelle. I love you, but I don't know if I can forgive you. I won't tell my mother anything just yet. I need to figure out what I'm going to do.
Why didn't he go in? I need to find out more about his relationship with Michelle. I am sure he doesn't know I followed him. Let's see where you are off to now, Santos. Michelle should be safe with her family.